March 2010 Archives

The bulk of that comes from two personal loans he made to the campaign: Greenberg, a Litchfield County businessman, $271,500 check for the first quarter of 2010, which ends at midnight tonight.

In the 4th quarter of 2009, Greenberg invested $150,000 of his money into the campaign.

He is one of several Republicans hoping to unseat 5th District Democrat Chris Murphy, among them Justin Bernier of Plainville and Sam Caligiuri of Waterbury.

Murphy "will be very well-financed by PACs and special interests and he will have the entire Democrat machine behind him,'' Greenberg said in a statement announcing his fundraising totals, "but this election must be decided by the issues and qualifications of the candidates.

"There is simply too much at stake to keep sending someone who is part of the problem back to the source of the problem. We need change in Washington," Greenberg said. "We need the outsider perspective of a businessman who knows how to create jobs and control spending."

Neither Caligiuri nor Bernier have made their filings public. The reports are not due to the Federal Election Commission until April 15.

Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz answered questions under oath Wednesday during an all-day, pre-trial deposition in her lawsuit seeking a judge's declaration that she is eligible to run for state attorney general, lawyers said.

Eliot Gersten, the attorney representing the state Republican Party, questioned Bysiewicz for more than five hours between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., and will continue doing so Monday when the deposition resumes at his Hartford office.

Two video cameras recorded the closed-door "discovery" proceeding. After learning that the Republicans intended to videotape the deposition, Bysiewicz asked to have her own videographer present. Bysiewicz's lawyer, Wesley Horton, had said his client was concerned that if the Republican Party's video showed only her -- and not also Gersten, as he questioned her -- it might result in "a slanted, one-sided picture of her deposition" that could be made public.

Visitors to the New York City landmark know that the fence around the observation deck is difficult to climb. Seven people were on the observation deck at the time, and one of them tried to talk the Yale student down from the fence, according to the Daily News.

Bear, 65, a Republican, has served since 2003 on the Superior Court bench in Middletown. Bear received his law degree cum laude from Harvard in 1968. He worked previously at Zeldes, Needle & Cooper from 1973 to 2003 and at the New Haven Legal Assistance Foundation from 1968 to 1973.

"Judge Bear will make an outstanding addition to the Appellate Court," Governor Rell said in a press release. "His extensive experience as an attorney and his years on our Superior Court bench have given him a depth of knowledge and a strong sense of the law's role in society - key strengths that will enable him to deal fairly and wisely with the range of issues that come before the appeals court."

The deadline for first quarter fundraising arrives at the strike of midnight and, for some candidates for federal office, the stakes couldn't be higher.

Take the Connecticut Senate race. While it didn't make Chris Cillizza's list of campaign finance reports to track, this could be a make-or-break quarter for Republican Rob Simmons. According to this month's Q poll, he's already lost frontrunner status to Linda McMahon (who, unlike Simmons, has been flooding the airwaves with commercials.) In order to compete with her $50 million campaign chest, he'll need a good haul of cash.

Republican Peter Schiff's numbers will be telling as well. All those money bombs have to add up to something. The first quarter fundraising report will be Democratic frontrunner Richard Blumenthal's debut filing -- he joined the race after the last filing deadline in January when Chris Dodd dropped out.

In the Congressional races, the numbers in the Bernier-Caligiuri 5th District slugfest will be telling, though last quarter, wealthy Litchfield businessman Mark Greenberg topped the GOP field, thanks to a $150,000 personal loan to his campaign. (According to the candidates' year-end filing on Dec. 31, 2009, Bernier had $203,392 on hand, Caligiuri had $70,388 and Greenberg had $256,226. Democratic incumbent Chris Murphy, the man they all want to unseat, had $941,694 on hand.)

A state legislator Wednesday called for a legislative hearing to investigate why a prison captain was denied a request to shackle a death row inmate Daniel Webb, before Webb allegedly attacked him while being moved to a cell Monday at Northern Correctional Institution in Somers.

State Rep. Karen Jarmoc, D-Enfield, said that the legislative judiciary committee's co-chairman, Rep. Michael P. Lawlor, D-East Haven, has agreed next week to discuss holding such a hearing.

Jarmoc also said a prison psychologist had told correction officials in an email about his concern regarding an "aggressive focus on the captain" exhibited by Webb, 47, who allegedly assaulted the captain Monday and four others who subdued him.

Gov. M. Jodi Rell left the state Capitol shortly after 12 noon Wednesday to head south to assess the heavy flood damage in Stonington and Jewett City.

The flood waters have been rising for days in southeastern Connecticut as police and firefighters have been scrambling to help homeowners and business owners as they face the worst flooding in years.

Rell intends to speak with the Stonington first selectman at 1:30 p.m. in the town's Pawcatuck section before traveling to visit a sewage treatment plant in Jewett City at 2:45 p.m.

The state Department of Transportation and the Connecticut National Guard have been called out to help, while the state Department of Environmental Protection is monitoring dams around the state. She spoke for about 90 minutes during a briefing with various state agencies on Wednesday morning before heading out.

"Once the dam breaks, it's a disaster for those that are down below,'' Rell told Channel 8 before leaving the Capitol. "All hands are on deck.''

A Republican town committee member in Salisbury says she got a call last week from someone affiliated with Linda McMahon's Senate campaign. The caller wanted to talk about Social Security -- specifically, McMahon's rival Peter Schiff's desire to "do away" with the federal entitlement. The caller also wanted to know if the RTC member received Social Security.

Town committee chairman Chris Janelli said the call was "nothing less than scare-mongering."

Janelli, an ethusiastic Schiff supporter, dashed off a letter to the McMahon campaign, asking it to "please refrain from using this tactic when you speak with members" of the town committee.

"It did upset one of our members,'' Janelli said in a brief phone conversation this morning. "If they persist in that direction, it will drive a wedge between themselves and the RTC members around the state whom they are trying to court.'

Schiff has called for big changes to the Social Security system, which is projected to pay out more in benefits than it brings in in payroll taxes this year, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

He has called it a "Ponzi scheme" and a "giant ticking time bomb.''

"If we don't make real, meaningful cuts in that program right now, no one's going to get any Social Security benefits because the money's going to have no value,'' Schiff said earlier this month.

(Watch here: the topic turns to Social Security at about the 5 minute, 20 second mark.)

Democratic Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz is scheduled to give videotaped testimony Wednesday morning in front of a camera -- in a deposition, under questioning by the state Republican Party's attorney, as part of the lawsuit that she has filed in hopes that a judge will declare her eligible to run for state attorney general.

But now there apparently will be two cameras: In a move that the state GOP chairman called "bizarre," she asked to bring her own professional videographer to train a camera on the GOP's lawyer who will be questioning her, Eliot Gersten of Hartford.

Bysiewicz's lawyer, Wesley Horton of Hartford, filed a motion for a "protective order permitting plaintiff to videotape her deposition" Tuesday afternoon, and Gersten did not file an objection. In a deposition, a person gives sworn testimony that can be used in the eventual trial in a case. No trial date has been set in Bysiewicz's Superior Court lawsuit.

Schiff, the author, broker and Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, doesn't think the student loan overhaul signed by President Obama today is a good idea.

The legislation, which was included in the health care reconcilliation package, essentially eliminates commercial banks from the student loan business, a move that proponents say will save taxpayers $68 billion over the next 10 years.

Schiff disagrees. "Obama's 'solution' to this government created problem will only make it worse,'' he said in a statement.

"Loaning directly to students while reducing the amount a student is required to repay will actually encourage colleges and universities to increase tuitions even faster, as students will be more willing to assume larger debts which they are not legally required to repay.

"Not only will this bill cause tuitions to rise faster, but contrary to Obama's claim, it will substantially increase the cost to taxpayers who will be forced to pick up a much larger share of inflated tuitions and absorb bigger losses on defaulted loans.''

Facing low poll ratings and an uphill battle, Newington Mayor Jeff Wright dropped out of the governor's race early Tuesday afternoon - less than two months after officially announcing for the race.

Instead, Wright will seek the Republican nomination for state treasurer against longtime Democratic incumbent Denise Nappier of Hartford, who has won three statewide races for treasurer over the past 12 years.

Wright, 38, made his announcement to reporters at the state Capitol press room, saying his experience as a certified financial planner since 1994 gives him the experience to run the state's large pension fund and serve as the state's chief financial officer.

While serving as the volunteer mayor of Newington since 2007, Wright earns his living by giving financial advice to retirees, small businesses, and working individuals on how to develop their financial plans.

An outspoken Republican, Wright was encouraged by Republican state party chairman Christopher Healy to run for treasurer. He instantly moved into front-runner status because the only other person to express interest is Andrew White of Ridgefield, a political unknown at the statewide level who does not hold elected office.

Democrat Ned Lamont unveiled his jobs plan Tuesday, saying that he will use his background as a business entrepreneur to kick-start Connecticut's sluggish economy.

One of the first steps, he said, is that the state must do a better job in reaching out to small businesses so that they will expand their operations in Connecticut.

"Recently, Alexion, our fastest-growing biotech company, born and bred in Connecticut, decided to open its first production facility in Rhode Island,'' Lamont said in the introduction to his jobs plan. "Alexion could have expanded here, but Rhode Island beat us to the punch. And who knows when another Marlin Firearms will leave? I will ensure businesses like Alexion and Marlin stay.''

Lamont told the story of Alexion in a room Tuesday at CT Works on North Main Street in northeastern Hartford, where unemployed workers arrive to gain skills to return to the workforce. In a roundtable discussion on the first floor, Lamont chatted with citizens with various work experiences through the years.

He said that Alexion, of Cheshire, received seed money from the state to start up the business, but they never received any further assistance.

"They set up their production facility in Rhode Island because they never heard from the state of Connecticut,'' Lamont told a small group of workers and reporters. "They heard from Rhode Island. ... They go to states that are on offense.''

As governor, Lamont said, that would not happen, and jobs would not go to the high-tech corridor of Route 128 outside Boston.

"Taxachusetts doesn't have cheap taxes, and they have tens of thousands of jobs - and we can do that, too,'' he said.

Lawmakers are considering a bill that would require the governor to declare March 30 of each year Vietnam Veterans Day. It would also make "Taps" by Daniel Butterfield the state song of rememberance.

The bill was unanimously passed by both the legislature's veterans affairs and government administration and elections committees this session. It must now be voted on by the full General Assembly and signed by the governor before it can become law.

According to language in the bill, March 30 would commemorate and honor the return home of members of the armed forces who served in Vietnam.

Former presidential candidate Mitt Romney has endorsed former U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Tom Foley for governor.

Romney, a national GOP figure who previously served as governor of Massachusetts, is considered among the party's potential leaders in the 2012 presidential race.

"Tom Foley is a smart businessman and a good problem-solver who can find and apply common sense solutions to the problems facing Connecticut," Romney said in a statement. "Tom has a long and successful history of turning around troubled companies in difficult settings, and these are the leadership skills that are required in today's challenging times. Tom is capable of putting politics aside and going to work on behalf of the people of Connecticut."

Foley, who was appointed by President George W. Bush to the post in Ireland and a high-level post in Iraq to privatize government-owned businesses, has declared that he would decline the governor's $150,000 annual salary as part of a plan to reduce the $18.9 billion state budget by $1 billion per year.

Romney's "record as a no-nonsense leader, capable of identifying problems and implementing solutions is a model I plan to follow,'' Foley said. "Facing an overwhelmingly Democratic legislature, Governor Romney was able to lead based on the quality of his ideas. That is what leadership is all about.''

Retirning U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd offered a few words of advice to the person who will occupy the seat once he's gone.

First, take two of three issues and make them your own. "Get involved in things you care about,'' he said.

That's the strategy he employed when he came to the Senate in 1980. Children's issues and Latin America became two of his passions, and he made his mark on each, with the landmark Family and Medical Leave Act and his expertise in foreign affairs.

If Democrat Richard Blumenthal wins the election, he may try for a spot on the Senate judiciary committee, Dodd said, though he added that he was not trying to dictate Blumenthal's committee assignments.

"You should also pay attention to what your state is interested in, whether you like it or not,'' he said this afternoon, during a meeting with the Courant's editorial board.

In between overhauling the U.S. health care system and working on financial reform, Chris Dodd has been having lunch with ex-colleagues, who have been giving him advice on life after the Senate.

He's met with Sam Nunn, Chuck Hagel and George Mitchell, among others. Each has pursued a different path after leaving government but they all seem to be enjoying themselves, Dodd said Monday afternoon, during an interview with the Courant's editorial board.

The temptation upon leaving the seat of power that is the U.S. Senate is to bite at the first offer that comes your way, Dodd said. "You think no one will call,'' he said.

But his friends counseled against that. They urged him to take his time in charting the next chapter, with one former colleague jokingly telling him that it took him years to get out of the commitments he made in those first few months.

Linda McMahon apparently took some time off from chatting up Republican Town Committee members this weekend to travel to Phoenix for Wrestlemania.

That's according to Mike Johnson of PWInsider.com, who also says that he was told McMahon avoided the camera for fear of violating the Federal Election Commission's "equal time provision."

McMahon was "at the [pay per view] last night,'' Johnson reports. "I was told by one source she likely didn't appear on camera at the WWE Hall of Fame ceremonies out of concern for "equal time" violations, since she's in the midst of her run for the Connecticut Senate."

More than 100 Republican woman have turned their back on Linda McMahon's bid to become Connecticut's first female U.S. Senator.

Instead, they are lining up behind her intra-party opponent, Rob Simmons.

"Rob Simmons has been a true and loyal friend to Republican women," Kathleen McCarty, president of the Connecticut Federation of Republican Women, said a press release circulated by the Simmons campaign. "He has voted to end the marriage penalty and expand the child tax credit and supported efforts to reduce violence against women,"

Simmons is a moderate Republican who has long supported abortion rights and received top grades from NARAL Pro-Choice America, although the press release issued by the campaign makes no mention of the issue.

A recent Q poll showed a significant gender gap between the two candidates: McMahon enjoys a 22-point lead among Republican women.

The judiciary committee narrowly approved a controversial bill Monday that would change the statute of limitations for civil lawsuits in cases of sexual abuse.

The measure was approved on a close vote, 23 to 20, on a topic that divided both Republicans and Democrats.

Currently, the law allows lawsuits by those up to the age of 48, which is 30 years after reaching the age of 18. If adopted into law, Connecticut would become the fourth state in the nation to eliminate the statute. The original version of the bill would have completely eliminated the statute, but the committee added some changes through an amendment.

The proposal still has several hurdles before the legislative session ends on May 5, including final approval by the state House of Representatives, the Senate, and Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell.

The bill - House Bill 5473 - is related to the case of the late Dr. George Reardon, a former physician at St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center in Hartford. Multiple lawsuits are pending in that case against St. Francis and the Archdiocese of Hartford.

Sen. Paul Doyle, a Wethersfield Democrat, said he has a problem with an unlimited statute of limitations because the limit in many personal injury cases is three years. An attorney, Doyle said the defendants in a lawsuit have the right to defend themselves, and some of the potential witnesses in the case might have died.

"Today, of course, we have the emotion before us,'' Doyle said. "No one can disregard the emotion and the seriousness of it. ... But it's my job to vote on what's in the best interest of both sides.''

"I have some constitutents who are going to be upset with my vote,'' Doyle said. "I think I will vote no.''

Rep. Michael P. Lawlor, an East Haven Democrat who co-chairs the committee, noted during the debate Monday that someone can sue a dead person - through the form of their estate.

"This would apply to future cases as well,'' said Lawlor, who voted in favor of the bill.

Lt. Gov. Mike Fedele has released his first television ad of the gubernatorial campaign, targeting conservative Republicans on the Fox News Channel.

Fedele's 30-second commercial will be broadcast on the most popular programs on the network, featuring conservative commentators Bill O'Reilly, Glenn Beck and Sean Hannity. The ads will also be on "Morning Joe'' with Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, "Fox and Friends,'' and "Fox News Prime Time.''

Overall, the commercial will be shown 71 times per week at a cost of $10,000 per week, said Christopher Cooper, a spokesman for Fedele. The first week and a half cost $15,000, and the campaign expects to eventually spend $100,000 through the state GOP convention in late May.

"They are programs we believe that Republican primary voters watch'' as compared to general-election voters, Cooper said of the Fox shows. "We are working very closely with our media consultant on doing that kind of targeting. ... We know who watches those shows. This is a targeted buy.''

Fedele is seeking public financing of his campaign - meaning that he cannot immediately match a statewide television blitz like the one funded by his primary opponent, Greenwich multi-millionaire Tom Foley. Foley has already contributed $2 million to his campaign, and most insiders believe he will contribute more.

"We still believe that the right message and the right qualifications are going to be compelling,'' said Cooper, a former spokesman for Gov. M. Jodi Rell.

Besides being broadcast in the Hartford and New Haven markets, viewers in Fairfield County will also be able to see the commercial in the expensive New York City television market.

The judiciary committee meeting has until 5 p.m. today to act on any bills. Included on the committee's lenthy agenda is a bill about death penalty, a bill about sexting and at least two bills about firearms.

Today's meeting began at 10 a.m., but committee members decided to caucus before voting on a variety of issues and have been behind closed doors all morning.

The death penalty bill would shorten the post-conviction process in death penalty cases. It would also allocate money for more training for prosecutors and public defenders, would require that confessions be videotaped and includes a provision that would allow victims to address a jury before, rather than after, a verdict is determined.

Unlike a bill that lawmakers considered last year, this year's bill would not repeal the death penalty.

But the debate in the state Senate was droning on as Republican John Kissel of Enfield was asking detailed questions of Democrat Toni Harp of New Haven on a budget amendment.

"Only eight people are watching this,'' a lobbyist said outside the Senate chamber, talking about the wee hours of the morning and the building frustration of legislators, staff members, and lobbyists.

When legislators arrived at the Capitol on Friday morning to tackle the state's financial problems, Connecticut had a projected budget deficit of about $350 million for the current fiscal year.

And when they woke up today, the state still has a projected budget deficit of $350 million.

Despite a marathon day of fits and starts, rhetoric and rancor, nothing was passed into law when the smoke cleared. By 5:30 a.m. Saturday, the Senate had voted, 21 to 15, on a deficit-cutting plan that increased taxes and cut spending.

But Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell promised to veto the bill, saying the tax increases were too high and many of the spending cuts were either phantom or unachievable.

Prompted by Rell's veto threat and the Senate's failure to pass the bill by a veto-proof margin, the state House of Representatives abruptly pulled the plug and canceled a scheduled Saturday session. The House had been expected to convene in its rare weekend session because lawmakers were scrambling to pass a deficit-cutting plan before the Passover and Easter holidays. The cancelation marked the culmination of a bizarre 24-hour period in which there originally was no House session expected - only to be scheduled on short notice and then changed once again when it was canceled.

Friday's squabbles focused on the easiest of the ongoing problems - the current fiscal year. Lawmakers have still not resolved the problems for next year, in which the deficit is projected at more than $700 million, and the 2012 fiscal year, in which the deficit could balloon to more than $3 billion. The reason for the rising deficit in 2012 is that the state will have nothing left over because it will have already spent the entire $1.4 billion "rainy day'' fund and $1.5 billion in federal stimulus money to close the deficits over the previous two years.

"I hope the governor will join us in making these difficult decisions because they pale compared with the challenges that lie ahead,'' said House Speaker Christopher Donovan.

The budget battle is fraught with election-year politics, posturing and rhetoric as each side seeks to gain advantage over the other in a political, financial and policy battle under the Gold Dome.

The state House of Representatives abruptly canceled a scheduled Saturday session today after a Senate plan failed to gather enough support to override an expected gubernatorial veto.

The House had been expected to convene in its first Saturday session of the year as lawmakers scrambled to pass a deficit-cutting plan before the Passover and Easter holidays. The cancelation marked the culmination of a bizarre 24-hour period in which there originally was no House session expected - then it was called on short notice, and then it was canceled on even shorter notice.

The situation is fraught with election-year politics, posturing and political rhetoric as each side seeks to gain advantage over the other in a political, financial and policy battle under the Gold Dome.

Friday marked one of the longest days in recent memory at the state Capitol as the Senate battled to pass a Democratic-written, deficit-cutting plan. The two sides could not even agree on how much of the cuts were real and how many were phantom.

The bill was finally passed, 21 to 15, at about 5:30 a.m. Saturday. The measure, however, needs 24 votes in the Senate to override Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell's threatened veto.

Even before the Senate voted, the few lobbyists and lawmakers remaining in the Capitol were debating in the hallways over whether the House would convene for its scheduled 12 noon session. Some said definitely yes. Others said no.

The reason that the House bailed out, insiders said, came directly from Rell's threat to veto the Democratic bill. That threat came at about 11 p.m. Friday night, and it changed the dynamics at the Capitol. Only minutes later, at 11:12 p.m., the Senate clerk's booming voice came over the loud speaker, saying, "There will be an immediate Senate Democratic caucus! Will all Senators please return to the caucus room.''

Strategically, insiders said, the liberal Democrats in the House did not want to be forced into taking any votes on Saturday to cut spending if the Senate Democrats did not have 24 votes to override Rell's veto. In addition, moderate Democrats wanted to avoid taking votes on tax increases, such as postponing tax breaks under the estate tax. Why, they asked, should Democrats be forced to take difficult votes on both taxes and spending if the bill would not become law?

Some Senators themselves asked that question, wondering why they were sticking their necks out in an election year on a tough vote.

In the end, three Senate Democrats broke with their caucus, making the final vote 21 to 15.

As such, some insiders were convinced - four hours before the Senate even voted - that the House would pull the plug and cancel Saturday's session. And that's what happened.

As the state legislature was battling over the budget Friday, one of the most controversial issues was the potential loss of the longevity payments that longtime state employees currently receive.

Only those with more than 10 years of service receive the payments, and a Democratic-written budget plan would end those payments for non-union employees.

With that as a backdrop, the Connecticut State Employees Association - SEIU Local 2001 - sent out an e-mail Friday to legislative employees and asked them to join the union. The authorization card states, "I authorize CSEA/SEIU Local 2001 to represent me in collective bargaining on wages, hours and working conditions with my employer.''

The card must include the employee's name, home address, home phone, and job title, and it must be in the "employee's own handwriting.''

The e-mailed letter is as follows:

March 26, 2010

In today's economic climate, employees, like you, continue to struggle to maintain benefits that they have enjoyed for many years. At this time, legislative employees are at risk of losing their longevity and possibly other benefits.

Now is the time for legislative employees to come together and protect their longevity. The only way to do this is to organize as a union and secure a legally binding contract with the Connecticut General Assembly.

CSEA SEIU L2001 represents more than 22,000 active public sector workers and retirees. We are a Local of the nation's fastest growing labor union, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), and the largest union in Connecticut.

If you are ready to protect your benefits and have a say in your future, fill out the attached representation card for CSEA SEIU L2001 and send back to us.

The move was made, shortly before 1 a.m., in response to Rell's threat to veto the Democratic-written deficit mitigation package. The Democrats, who hold the majority and control the agenda in the Senate, forced the debate by taking Rell's plan and making it an amendment to one of their bills.

Sen. Dan Debicella, a Shelton Republican, said the Senate did not need to be debating in the early hours of the morning on a Saturday. The legislature, he said, never adopted meaningful spending cuts that would have prevented the continuing increase in the state budget deficit, which topped $500 million before various changes.

"We didn't have to be here in the sense of having a deficit today,'' Debicella said. "It goes back to the biennium budget that was passed almost six months ago now. ... The revenue assumptions were unrealistic, and the spending cuts were phantom. ... We have had no spending reductions whatsoever.''

"Deputy commissioners - they're all valuable employees,'' Debicella said. "But can we afford them? What we should do is eliminate those positions.''

The state Senate had been expected to vote late Friday night on a Democratic plan that would slash state spending, lay off some high-level state employees, mandate more unpaid furlough days, and close the entire deficit for the current fiscal year.

But a series of delays lasted throughout the day, and the debate had not started on the Senate floor by 12:45 a.m. Saturday.

The plan calls for closing Riverview, the only state-run psychiatric hospital for children in New England. The hospital in Middletown, operated by unionized state employees, costs $862,000 per child per year to run, according to state estimates. Citing those costs, various officials have called for the closure of the facility that treats children with acute psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, psychosis, and bipolar disorder.

The largest item in the $535 million deficit-cutting plan in the current fiscal year is the transfer of $262 million from the state's "rainy day'' fund, which was initially planned to be used in the future. As such, the legislature needed - and did - find other ways to close the budget gap in the future because the immediate cash infusion was needed immediately. The second biggest item is deferring a payment of $100 million into the state employees' pension fund, which lawmakers argue is simply a deferral of the problem because the level of various pensions will not be reduced.

Even before a single word of debate was uttered on the Senate floor, Rell announced shortly before 11 p.m. Friday that she would veto the bill.

"Unfortunately, I will have no choice but to veto this bill,'' Rell said in a statement released by her office. "It is woefully short on real spending cuts and burdensomely high on tax increases. It even increases a tax - the proposed hospital user fee - which has not yet taken effect. The plan, while about $100 million higher than mine, also relies on revenue from a whole host of sources that are unrealistic at best.''

Derek Slap, a spokesman for Senate President Pro Tem Donald Williams of Brooklyn, said Rell's veto is related directly to the Democratic plan to delay the reductions in the estate tax that is now paid by individuals who die with more than $3.5 million in their estate. Rell had vetoed a similar provision shortly after Christmas.

"Gov. Rell's veto threat is unwarranted and irresponsible,'' Slap said. "Democrats have a plan to cut the budget by more than $600 million, and it is done without raising taxes on the middle class and without cutting municipal aid. The governor's veto threat is motivated by one thing and one thing only - protecting a tax break for the wealthy that the Democrats know Connecticut cannot afford.''

Senate President Pro Tem Donald Williams of Brooklyn hailed the completion of the package as "terrific news,'' saying it represented a substantial amount of work by lawmakers.

"It's been a struggle to address the recession that's been hurting Connecticut and our entire country,'' Williams said. "Connecticut, like 49 other states, has faced budget shortfalls, and we know that we have to act to correct that.''

In a surprise development, the state House of Representatives was scheduled to convene in a rare Saturday session to vote on the deficit-mitigation package that Democrats are touting as an important compromise.

House Republican leader Lawrence Cafero of Norwalk learned about the short-notice session shortly before 4 p.m. Friday - making it less than 24 hours before the scheduled start of the 12 noon session Saturday.

"This is an Olympic and world record,'' Cafero said, adding that it was the shortest notice for any session that he has seen in 18 years at the state Capitol. "It is reprehensible.''

Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell was in Colorado on Friday, but she received detail information there on the Democrat-written budget plan at the state Capitol.

Shortly before 11 p.m., the Rell administration announced that she would veto the bill. The word spread quickly around the Capitol, and at 11:12 p.m., an announcement was made over the Capitol's public address system that there would be an immediate caucus for the Senate Democrats.

In a rare move for a governor who has often said that she wants to carefully read the final wording of the bill after it is passed by both chambers, Rell made her announcement even before a single word of debate had been uttered on the Senate floor.

Rell's full statement is as follows:

"Unfortunately, I will have no choice but to veto this bill. It is woefully short on real spending cuts and burdensomely high on tax increases - it even increases a tax, the proposed hospital user fee, which has not yet taken effect. The plan, while about $100 million higher than mine, also relies on revenue from a whole host of sources that are unrealistic at best.

"In essence, this Democrat deficit mitigation plan raises taxes by $180 million, cuts spending by a paltry $65 million and relies on $175 million in other revenue, creative accounting and blithe assumptions to make up the difference.

"My proposal, by contrast, calls for $64.7 million in taxes, $201 million in real spending cuts and $58 million in transfers from other state funds.

"As usual, the Democrats give short shrift to spending cuts and high priority to increasing taxes and other revenue - just at the time when Connecticut's families and employers can least afford it. The Democrats' meager spending cuts will do nothing to solve the long-term structural problems within our budget and the unaffordability of state government. It is time that our elected officials stood up and did what is right for the taxpayer.

"However, to the extent that the Democrat plan incorporates some of my spending cuts, I am encouraged - and would welcome the opportunity to work together on a mutually acceptable package."

During a stop this morning at Connecticut Childrens Medical Center, U. S. Rep. Larson said his offices in both Washington and Hartford have received threats, but declined to provide details.

"We have,'' Larson said in response to a question from Fox 61 reporter Shelly Sindland about whether he has been a target of anger from opponents of the health care overhaul that he helped shepherd through Congress.

"We've reported them to the appropriate authorities,'' Larson said. "We just don't go into the nature of them. We report them immediately. There's a procedure you follow and that has been done.

"I'm not downplaying those but it's nothing that I want to dwell on. What were going to dwell on is having hearings out in this district, having roundtables with the business community and making sure everbody's informed about this bill.''

As one of the highest-ranking members of the U.S. House, Larson, a Democrat from the 1st District, has been front and center on the health care debate -- he's become a familiar face on television and in news stories advocating for the measure.

A quick poll of the rest of Connecticut's congressional delegation reveals that none of the other members have reported threats to law enforcement.

Elizabeth Kerr, spokeswoman for Rep. Jim Himes, said the 4th District congressman has receieved a lot of feedback on the health care bill. "The congressman has been very pleased with...how much our constituents are engaged in the issue."

The state Senate Democrats are talking about passing Democratic budget cuts as early as Friday night - even if the House Democrats fail to agree on the cuts.

As such, Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell says that cuts in the Senate are "knowingly meaningless'' if they cannot become law. The two Republican leaders - House GOP chief Larry Cafero of Norwalk and Senate GOP head John McKinney of Fairfield - agreed Thursday with Rell that the cuts will only matter if they are accomplished by both the House and Senate.

"I don't know if it's a show or not,'' Cafero told reporters Thursday at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.

"It is a show,'' said McKinney, who was standing next to Cafero. "Anything we do in the Senate is purely for show. It's a phantom gesture.''

While the exact date for the vote was still unknown, Senate Democrats have guaranteed that there will be a vote to reduce the projected $350 million for the current fiscal year by next Wednesday. The vote could come as early as Friday night or it could come next Wednesday. Senators are still determining the schedule because of the upcoming Passover and Easter holidays.

"We've known about this budget since October, and now we're told the only time we can fix it is Friday after 5 p.m.,'' McKinney said.

But Derek Slap, a spokesman for the Senate Democrats, questioned where McKinney has been during the long budget battle.

"Speaking of show, we're waiting for Senator McKinney to show up,'' Slap said. "Where is their balanced budget plan? They haven't shown up in the budget crisis. They never produced a balanced budget. They need to show up. We're working on a plan, and we plan to vote on it very soon. ... They're doing their impersonation of Republicans in Washington - the party of no.''

Difficult decisions need to be made, Slap said, and the Senate is trying to move as swiftly as possible.

"Senator McKinney doesn't want to work on Friday night?'' Slap asked. "For all the talk of making tough decisions, they've been nowhere. They've been MIA.''

In their first official response to Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell's budget, Democratic legislators narrowly voted Thursday for increasing spending by $373 million in the fiscal year that starts July 1.

The budget, approved by a tight vote of 29 to 25 by the appropriations committee, would increase spending over Rell's proposal by $331 million for human services - the largest single jump in the proposal. The plan would increase spending in the judicial and corrections departments by $3.3 million over Rell's plan and by $1.6 million to restore six legislative commissions that Rell had sought to eliminate.

With numerous moderate Democrats voting "no'' in an election year, the vote was among the closest in recent years for the committee.

Overall, the bill would increase annual state spending to $19.28 billion - up by 4 percent over the current fiscal year and pushing the budget above the $19 billion level for the first time in state history.

In a surprising move, the bill would eliminate 390 positions out of more than 6,000 permanent, full-time positions to save about $17 million in the state prisons, whose unions did not agree to various concessions last year that other state employees did. The move stunned prison administrators, who had not been consulted on the proposed cuts. Lawmakers said the idea would cause the prisons to release non-violent criminals in a major policy shift, but they said much more discussion is needed because those plans have not yet been established.

Republicans immediately ripped the plan, saying the spending levels are irresponsible at a time when the state is facing projected deficits of more than $350 million in the current fiscal year and an estimated $700 million in the next fiscal year.

McKinney charged that Democratic legislators are "completely tone deaf'' to the economic problems facing the state.

The Democratic plan includes $20 million in new taxes on the insurance industry and a new 5.5 percent tax on hospitals, setting up a system of "winners and losers'' among hospitals across the state.

"One of the biggest losers, in all honesty, is Greenwich Hospital,'' said Sen. Toni Harp, a New Haven Democrat, noting that the downstate hospital would lose $3.8 million. "If you look at the biggest winners in this pool ... Yale-New Haven Hospital itself and Bridgeport Hospital.''

Overall, the Yale-New Haven Hospital system, which includes Greenwich Hospital, is a winner, she said. She added that many hospitals, even though they are considered non-profit, usually earn 3 percent to 5 percent more than their expenses.

But Sen. L. Scott Frantz, a Greenwich Republican, said that some hospitals across the nearby border in New York State - like United Hospital in Port Chester, N.Y. - have closed in recent years, prompting Greenwich Hospital to be overwhelmed "with a lot of cases that do not pay.''

Another Greenwich Republican, Rep. Fred Camillo, said the hospital suffered a round of layoffs and he knows from personal experience in the emergency room that "there's a long wait in there.''

The legislature's finance, revenue and bonding committee passed a bill Thursday that would extend the current conveyance tax rates until 2012. It would also expempt homeowners who are facing foreclosure or who have homes worth less than what they owe from the tax.

The committee vote was 35-15.

Most municipalities receive 0.25 percent of a property's sale price. More distressed communities, such as Hartford and New Haven, get 0.50 percent of the sale price.

Prior to 2003, the conveyance tax was 0.11 percent. The tax was increased in 2003 in the midst of a state budget deficit, but was set to revert back to the original rate the following year. The General Assembly, however, has consistently extended the tax increase, and now cities and towns rely on the revenue.

In 1993, then-state Rep. Rob Simmons wrote a letter to a constituent who was concerned about the issue of global population growth.

"My mother used to serve on the board of Planned Parenthood and for years she told me that over-population is a serious global problem,'' Simmons wrote. "It just seems that we do not have the resources to support our current population and yet the babies keep coming. I agree with you that something needs to be done."

Call the letter Exhibit A as to why social conservatives don't like Rob Simmons.

"I know of almost no social conservatives who are backing Simmons,'' said Peter Wolfgang, executive director of the Family Institute of Connecticut, a Catholic and a leading voice for religious conservatives in the state. Wolfgang keeps a copy of Simmons' letter in a file he has on the Republican former congressman and current candidate for U.S. Senate.

Two of the legislature's most prominent social conservatives, Rep. T.R, Rowe of Trumbull and Sen. Michael McLachlan of Danbury, have endorsed Republican Linda McMahon, the former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment, who is pro-choice and used to run a company once known for pushing the envelope on sex and violence.

"Linda McMahon's entire career and her role elevating liberal Democrats to power in Washington, D.C. is an affront to the conservative movement,'' Barnett said via email.

"Conservatives should take a long look at Linda McMahon and ask themselves what they will do when liberal Democrats make them defend McMahon's record of marketing gratuitous violence against women, graphic sex, and bra and panties matches to young children? I think conservatives should be very careful before casting their lot with someone who has shown nothing but contempt for conservatism. I think some of these folks may be regretting their decision once they learn more about McMahon's distinctly un-conservative record," Barnett said.

Wolfgang hasn't decided which Republican he'll back yet. (The Institute, which is primarily focused on state issues, won't make an official endorsement, though Wolfgang expects to make a personal one.)

"I haven't made up my mind, but I can understand why T.R. Rowe and Michael McLachlan would endorse Linda McMahon,'' he said. "When I look at the Senate race, the math for social conservatives points to Linda McMahon.''

McMahon is capturing the hearts of social conservatives for a number of reasons, Wolfgang said.

In the days before she was running as a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate, wrestling entrepreneur Linda McMahon was trying to convince the Democrat-controlled state legislature to approve her nomination for a seat on the state board of education.

As part of the process, McMahon received written support from longtime Democrat Dannel Malloy, who is now running for the Democratic nomination for governor. At the time, Malloy was serving as the mayor of Stamford, where the World Wrestling Entertainment empire is headquartered off Interstate 95.

"Ms. McMahon has expressed a strong interest in improving the lives of young people in our community and as a global leader in media and entertainment, her community-mindedness and business leadership bring keen insights to public policy making and program administration,'' Malloy wrote. "It is always critical for the state to tap the business insights and experiences, as well as the professional training and certifications, of our corporate citizens for public service.''

Malloy added, "By enlisting such corporate leadership, government weaves the business community into the everyday rhythm of our state, thereby ensuring long-term, public-private cooperation and success. Ms. McMahon's background presents just such an opportunity for the state as she is considered by your committee.''

When asked about his support for McMahon, Malloy referred to the letter he had written.

Wrestling writer and blogger Irvin Muchnick is scheduled to be in Stamford today, promoting a book dealing with the World Wrestling Entertainment empire, former CEO Linda McMahon, and the death of one-time wrestler Chris Benoit. Benoit killed himself in 2007 after killing his wife and seven-year-old son.

Mushnick tangled with the Stamford police in a Freedom of Information case in the strange tale of a 19-year-old University of Connecticut student from Stamford who had changed Benoit's Wikipedia entry before the bodies of his family members had been found.

The Stamford police interviews with the UConn student were videotaped, and Mushnick eventually obtained them. They are available below in three parts.

The bonuses to high-level executives at AIG and other bailed-out Wall Street companies prompted huge outrage across the country, and state Senate Democrats responded by calling for a special surcharge to tax the bonuses.

The narrowly written provision would apply only to bonuses of $1 million or more in 2010 and 2011 - and would only apply to executives at companies that were bailed out. With concerns about a special tax increase on a relative handful of people, Rell and some attorneys are questioning whether the idea is Constitutional.

"How will the state credibly estimate revenues at the time of the passage of the bill? How will the tax be enforced?'' Rell asked in a letter Wednesday to top legislative leaders. "Can and will the tax be avoided by employers restructuring the bonuses, and how will this affect the state's proposed revenue? Simply put, at this time, there are too many uncertainties surrounding the proposed tax surcharge to make reliance upon it responsible.''

Rell added, "Thus, I would be forced to veto any such proposal or proposals even though most people in the state rightly believe that such executive bonuses were, at a minimum, inappropriate given the use of federal taxpayer funds to bail out their host companies.''

But Senate President Pro Tem Donald Williams, one of the chief proponents of the tax surcharge, said Rell was siding with Wall Street fat cats instead of with Main Street.

"It's a smoke screen,'' Williams said of Rell's position. "Folks in Washington have opined that this is Constitutional at a much higher [tax] rate.''

The state Senate could vote as early as Friday night on a plan to cut the state's growing budget deficit, but Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell is warning that the vote will be meaningless without a vote by the House of Representatives.

Insiders say that the House and Senate Democrats are sharply divided over the level of potential cuts - with the Senate Democrats pushing for more cuts and the more-liberal House Democrats refusing to make the cuts. Throughout the past year, some fiscally conservative Senate Democrats refused to vote on various tax increases - and no state income tax increases were approved until they reached the $1 million level for couples.

While no votes have been cast, some say this vote would mark the biggest break between the House and Senate Democrats over the past 18 months.

Senate Democrats are guaranteeing a vote on the deficit by the end of the month, but the date is not yet certain. With the Passover and Easter holidays coming up, lawmakers have been trying to work out the schedules. The state Capitol is closed next week on Good Friday.

In a letter to the top six legislative leaders, Rell talked about a plan circulating throughout the Capitol that "relies heavily on spending cuts'' to reduce the deficit that has been projected as high as $500 million in the current fiscal year that ends on June 30. With some adjustments this week, Rell's administration is projecting the deficit at about $350 million.

"While I very much appreciate and welcome the long-awaited attention to spending cuts, I am disheartened by the likelihood that the package will not, it is suggested, be taken up by the House,'' Rell wrote. "It is being posited that the Senate will take up this package knowing that the House is not going to act on it and that a second, less cut-oriented consensus package will be then offered.''

Rell added, "I encourage and will work with you on the adoption of a meaningful deficit mitigation plan, such as the one I presented on March 1, 2010. Action that is knowingly meaningless serves no one. The Senate, the House and my administration must make real cuts and take real action to deal with the state deficit. Separate efforts, while cosmetically or politically pleasing, do not address but simply mask substantive failure. My administration continues to stand ready to work in a substantive, meaningful way, and I suggest that we begin with my March 1 deficit mitigation plan as a base.''

The nomination of the 10 Superior Court judges sets up a potentially bitter conflict between the governor and key legislators who say that the state doesn't need the judges -- and before they'll vote to confirm any new ones, the governor must join them in addressing severe funding shortages in the state's judicial branch.

The two most prominent of the 10 Superior Court nominees are public safety commissioner John Danaher and state budget director Robert Genuario. The others are Republicans Laura Flynn Baldini, Susan A. Connors, and Brian J. Leslie, along with Democrats Susan Q. Cobb, Jane B. Emons, Kathleen McNamara, and David Sheridan. Unaffiliated voter John Carbonneau was also nominated.

The Morris Republican Town Committee has taken back its endorsement of 5th District candidate Justin Bernier and given it to one of his intra-party rivals, Sam Caligiuri.

Both candidates hope to unseat U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy, but "Sam's background and experience particularly in larger cities like Waterbury give him a much better chance of winning,'' Morris GOP leader Jerry Hickey said this afternoon. "It's absolutely imperative that we get rid of Chris Murphy.'

UPDATE: On Thursday Bernier announced that he's picked up the endorsements of the Bethel and Bethlehem RTCs.

"'With his military service and background in economics, Justin Bernier is the best Republican candidate and will draw the clearest contrast with Chris Murphy," Bethlehem selectman and RTC member Ed Roden said in a statement.

The Morris town committee endorsed Bernier months ago, Hickey said, back when Caligiuri was still a candidate for U.S. Senate.

Hickey said there some town committee members were initially reluctant to switch their endorsement. "We don't like to go back on our commitments, but after having met with Sam on two occasions, we just felt he was what's required to win in.''

It's not the first time one of Bernier's fellow Republicans have pulled the rug out from under him: Nancy Johnson, the former occupant of the seat both men covet, also switched her endorsement from Bernier to Caligiuri.

But from his comments today on the Senate floor, it sounds like it wasn't an easy decision.

His full statement:

"Let me begin with the beginning before us now. The Reconciliation Act that is before us preserves most but not all of the health care reform the Senate adopted and I voted for in December. I concluded then and repeat now that together these measures achieve real change in the three big areas in which our health care system needs to be changed: reforming health care delivery to put a brake on the skyrocketing costs of care for individuals, families, businesses, and our government; better regulating health insurance companies to protect consumers, including those with pre-existing conditions; and helping millions of middle income Americans who can't afford health insurance now to buy it. For me it is particularly noteworthy that the Senate bill plus the Reconciliation Act achieves all that progress without a government takeover of health care or health insurance.

"That would have been a very costly, deficit-exploding mistake, and would have fundamentally and adversely altered the traditional American balance of power between the public and private sectors that has worked so well over our history to create economic growth and opportunity and to build the American middle class. That is why I opposed the "so-called" public option so strenuously and why I am so grateful that it is not in the Reconciliation Act the House has sent us.

"Those are the big and good things I really appreciate in this health care reform package.

"What worries me about it? First, the size of this proposal concerns me, particularly at this time of national fiscal indebtedness and economic stress. I wish we had chosen to achieve health care reform, step-by-step, beginning with delivery reforms that would lower health costs, and then moving on to expand middle-class access to affordable health insurance and more aggressively regulating health insurance companies. But there was never enough bipartisan support for such step-by-step reform; I know because I tried to find it. So, now, along with each of my colleagues, I must vote on the proposal we have before us, not on one I wish we had before us.

Richard McGonigal, of Norwalk, wants to see tougher penalties for those guilty of negligent homicide, and he submitted written testimony to the legislature's judiciary committee Wednesday, asking lawmakers to pass a bill that would raise the maximum sentence for negligent homicide from 6 months to two years.

McGonigal lost his wife in February 2007 when a truck driver fell asleep at the wheel. McGonigal said the driver was charged with negligent homicide and only had to pay a $200 fine after a plea deal allowed him to plead guilty to a reduced charge of failure to maintain the established lane.

State Supreme Court Justice Christine S. Vertefeuille will retire and become a senior justice effective June 1, at age 59 after 10 years on the high court. She gave no reason for her decision to step down 11 years shy of the court's mandatory retirement age.

Gov. M. Jodi Rell's press office said that the governor would have a statement later Wednesday about her plans as to filling the vacancy on the court.

"It has been a great honor and privilege for me to hold a seat on this court since January, 2000. I now look forward to my role as a Senior Justice, continuing to work at the court on a reduced basis," Vertefeuille wrote Monday to Rell, in a letter released Wednesday. "I thank you for the confidence you showed in me by renominating me to this court and I extend my best wishes to you for a happy and healthy retirement." Rell is not seeking re-election this year.

Vertefeuille, a Cheshire Democrat, began as a Superior Court judge in 1989 after the legislature confirmed her nomination by then-Gov. William A. O'Neill. She was nominated to the Supreme Court in late 1999 by then-Gov. John G. Rowland, only three months after he had named her to the state Appellate Court.

This time, his comments were caught on camera after he introduced President Barack Obama concerning the passage of the much-debated healthcare reform bill. Biden embraces Obama at the podium and then tells the president that the bill's passage is a really big deal.

Zach Howell, national chairman of the College Republicans sent out an ominious-sounding fundraising email yesterday, after President Obama signed the health care bill "$1 trillion dollar government takeover of our healthcare system.''

Howell makes a pitch for donations and says College Republicans will be launching a 25-person field program targeting Congressional Democrats who supported the measure.

"Democrats like Bart Stupak, Dick Durbin, Henry Waxman, Max Baucus, John Dingell, and Sandy Levin will in the crosshairs of the College Republicans in 2010, who will, like the last 118 years, be on the front lines ensuring democrats like these aren't re-elected,'' Howell writes. "Join us today in helping defeat the Democrats in November. Mortgaging the future of young people has consequences and Nov. 3, 2010 will be judgment day."

State Rep. Jamie Spallone of Essex has dropped out of the Secretary of the State's race and has thrown his support to House Majority Leader Denise Merrill.

Spallone, a veteran Democrat who has served in the legislature since 2001, will be running for re-election in a district that includes Chester, Deep River, and Haddam.

"Last January, I started exploring a run for secretary of the state because I felt I had the experience, knowledge of the subject matter and judgment to be Connecticut's chief elections official and manager of corporate filings,'' said Spallone, who co-chairs the Government Administration and Elections Committee.

He added, "Over the the past 14 months, I've visited dozens of Democratic town committees and attended events all over the state. The response has been positive. However, I have concluded that I cannot devote the time needed to wage a succesful campaign. I need to devote my full attention to repairing our campaign finance law in the face of an adverse court decision, my other duties as GAE chair and representing my district town of Chester, Deep River, Essex and Haddam during difficult times. I also have a law practice and, most importantly, two very young children at home. This is simply not the right time for me to wage a statewide campaign.''

The Republican have long painted Richard Blumenthal as lawsuit-happy, but this time, they want the Democratic attorney general to take legal action to stop implementation of the health care overhaul.

"Where is Dick Blumenthal when we need him?" state GOP Chairman Chris Healy said in a press release. "Our attorney general should put partisan politics aside and protect our rights as patients and tax payers. This legislation is the broadest grab of federal power over the states ever and our elected leaders should resist it with all legal weapons available.''

"Dick Blumenthal always says he wants to protect and fight for consumers," Healy said. "Now is the time to fight for Connecticut's rights as consumers and taxpayers. This health care bill is an assault on freedom and it interferes with the state's ability to provide services in an equitable manner."

When Massachusetts voters elected Scott Brown to the U.S. Senate in January, cutting the Democratic majority to 59, conventional wisdom pegged the health reform effort as doomed.

But U.S. Sen. Christopher Dodd says that may have actually helped get reform passed.

"I always thought the number 60 was a problematic number," Dodd said Tuesday during a conference call with reporters, shortly after President Obama signed the health reform bill into law.

Having 60 Democrats in the Senate, Dodd explained, meant that every Republican would vote no and every Democrat had to vote yes. Losing a Democratic seat meant those pushing health reform had to work differently, Dodd said, and it reinvigorated Democrats to get the job done.

As for Republicans, who did not support the bill, Dodd said he believes the health reform experience might lead some of his colleagues across the aisle to reconsider their approach. A number of Republican colleagues were not happy with their party's strategy of "just saying no to everything," he said.

"They want to be part of the solutions," he said. "They didn't run for the United States Senate to say no to everything."

Dodd touted the new health reform law and the benefits he said it would bring to Connecticut residents. Provisions that take effect immediately will begin to close the Medicare "doughnut hole," eliminate coverage limits, and allow young adults to stay on their parents' health insurance policies until age 26.

In a strongly worded letter, the state employee unions are rejecting Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell's requests for more labor concessions in order to balance the state budget as "cynical scapegoating,'' pandering, and "completely unacceptable.''

Rell submitted the requests to the unions in a proposal labeled "confidential document concerning collective bargaining strategy and negotiations'' that requested concessions on pensions, health insurance for state employees and retirees, sick leave payments, and eliminating disability retirement for any employees hired after July 1.

In an idea suggested by several Republican candidates for governor, Rell wanted to end the state pension plan for any new employees hired after July 1. Those employees would be placed into a 401 (k) - type plan with the employee contributing 5 percent and the state matching it at 5 percent - in a plan similar to the private sector. Rell also wanted to increase the health insurance contributions by state employees by 10 percent on July 1.

Rell also wanted to increase the prescription drug co-pays to $10 for generic, $25 for brand-name drugs on the preferred list, and $40 for non-formulary drugs in a manner similar to the rates in the private sector. Some private companies start the generic co-pays at $20 per prescription for a 30-day supply.

The response, signed by 14 union leaders, slams Rell personally for seeking the concessions.

"Today, you are pandering to the partisan politics of the gubernatorial campaign in making proposals that show a cynical disrespect not just for Connecticut's 45,000 public service workers but for all of Connecticut's struggling working families,'' the letter states. "While we will not dignify your letter and proposals with a point-by-point reply, we will point out some of the highlights.''

The letter stated later that "Wall Street bankers and other millionaires'' had not been asked to pay their fair share of state tax revenues. The state legislature raised the state income tax last year to 6.5 percent on couples earning more than $1 million per year, but some lawmakers and union members had wanted bigger tax hikes.

"And in a cynical effort to distract the public from your constant choice of the 5 percent who are super rich over the 95 percent who are suffering,'' the unions stated, "you make proposals to us which you know perfectly well are insulting and completely unacceptable, no doubt just so you can try to scapegoat public service workers for refusing them.''

The unions added, "Cynical scapegoating which masquerades for leadership is exactly what the people of Connecticut don't need in the deepest economic downturn since the Great Depression.''

But state Republican chairman Chris Healy said the union leadership is completely out of touch with the current economic downturn, including the complaints about Wall Street bankers.

"This is just classic, ignorant class warfare. This is like the 1940s, and they think John L. Lewis is in charge of the union,'' Healy said, referring to the famous president of the United Mine Workers of America who led the union from 1920 through 1960.

Healy said the union leaders do not understand that the state is facing massive deficits of more than $3 billion in the 2012 fiscal year - when the legislature will have spent all of the rainy day fund and federal stimulus money that helped close the gap over the current biennium.

"Either the state employees are going to get with the program now or a lot of them are going to get unemployment later - no matter who the governor is,'' Healy said. "The party's over. I think most state employees understand that, but the leadership doesn't because they don't work for a living. The governor is a very reasonable person, and they spit on her publicly. What makes the state employees so special?''

Among the various proposals was a request by Rell for a wage freeze and furlough days for the prison guards and the correctional supervisors - two unions that declined to make the same concessions as those made by multiple other unions in the State Employee Bargaining Agent Coalition, known as SEBAC.

Regarding pensions, Rell wanted to use only base wages in calculating all pensions after the SEBAC agreement expires in 2017. Currently, the controversial longevity payments, as well as overtime, count toward the pension calculations.

Attorney General Richard Blumenthal issued a legal opinion Tuesday that taxing Wall Street bonuses in excess of $1 million is "likely constitutional.''

The Senate Democrats have been seeking an income tax surcharge on bonuses that were awarded by companies that receive federal TARP bailout money.

"In my opinion, a court would likely find the proposed tax on TARP bonuses to be a constitutional exercise of the state's taxing power,'' Blumenthal said in the opinion that was sought by Senate President Pro Tem Donald Williams of Brooklyn, who also represents Killingly and other towns in northeastern Connecticut.

"Rob Simmons lost a 38-point lead in this primary and now trails Linda by 10 points because he's more focused on boats, wrestling and negative attacks than he is on job creation,'' said McMahon spokesman Shawn McCoy.

The two leading candidates in the polls for the Democratic nomination for governor - Greenwich cable television entrepreneur Ned Lamont and former Stamford Mayor Dannel Malloy - are in favor of the Connecticut Supreme Court's ruling in the long-running funding battle by the Connecticut Coalition For Justice in Education Funding, known as CCJEF.

Some insiders believe the case won't be resolved for years because the split decision has been sent back to the lower court for a trial.

"I learned the value of a good education from my grandmother, who was a teacher in Puerto Rico,'' Lamont said in a statement. "Her dedication to her students inspired me to teach at Harding High, at CCSU, and it will inform my work as governor to revamp Connecticut's education pipeline from cradle to career. One of Connecticut's greatest assets is our highly educated workforce, but our advantage is slipping. I applaud the Supreme Court for taking a stand today for all of Connecticut's kids.''

Lamont added, "Under my leadership, the state will live up to its obligation to provide not just an adequate education for our kids, but a world-class education that prepares them to compete in the 21st century marketplace. Our kids' future is Connecticut's future. As governor, I will track the reforms Mayor DeStefano and the AFT have implemented in New Haven and make sure Connecticut gets our fair share of the Race to the Top funds down in Washington."

The Courant's Arielle Levin Becker reports that Malloy believes the ruling could ultimately help the state recover its edge in education.

"I think in the long run it is very important to the state of Connecticut," said Malloy, who was among the group that launched the coalition that brought the lawsuit. "I began these efforts years ago because I firmly believed that the state was not honoring its constitutional requirement and the funding formula for education in poor and urban communities was not fair to those communities.''

Malloy would not say whether he favors shifting the cost to income, sales, utility, hotel or other types of taxes, but added, "In every other state in the nation, some revenue source other than this reliance on property taxes is being used."

Regardless of the question Monday, the answer was virtually always the same: we must work with labor.

Six gubernatorial candidates who spoke in front of the state AFL-CIO's top leaders Monday in Hartford repeatedly said they would seek labor's help to solve the state's fiscal problems.

The AFL-CIO has not made any endorsements in the governor's race, but some of the candidates were clearly seeking the support of the union members. While the union federation does not endorse candidates in every race, the group endorsed New Haven Mayor John DeStefano over Stamford Mayor Dannel Malloy in the August 2006 gubernatorial primary.

Four years later, Malloy is running again and he told the group at the Hartford Hilton that there would be a new tone if he reaches the governor's office.

"We have had governors in this state who have attacked you,'' Malloy said to about 250 union leaders. "That is going to change. ... Together, with the people in this room, we're going to build a new Connecticut.''

The Democratic frontrunner - Greenwich cable television entrepreneur Ned Lamont - said he does not tailor his responses to labor audiences, but instead says the same thing to both business and labor groups.

"I may not be the best business candidate. I may not be the best labor candidate,'' Lamont said in an interview. "But I think I can bring them together.''

When he ran in 2006 for the U.S. Senate against incumbent Joe Lieberman, Lamont said, "I didn't get invited to one chamber [of commerce] four years ago,'' Lamont said.

The state's ethics board Monday approved spending up to $10,000 for an outside attorney to look into three prohibited campaign contributions for $250 that led board Chairman Kenneth Bernhard to resign March 4.

Lawyer Jill Hartley of Hartford, once special counsel to the former State Ethics Commission, will be paid $295 an hour under a personal services agreement approved Monday by the Citizen's Ethics Advisory Board in a 5-1 vote. Hartley's paralegal would make $110 an hour under the agreement that extends to June 30.

Hartley also would recommend the amount of any fine that might be imposed on Bernhard, a former Republican state legislator from Westport.

Rick Torres, a Republican running in the 4th District against incumbent Democrat Jim Himes, took Himes to task for his support of the health care bill.

"Jim Himes has betrayed the people of this district with his vote,'' Torres said in a statement. "The public is outraged at the fiscal chicanery which has not honestly portrayed the costs of the bill. And they are stunned at the arrogance of the Congress in the dishonest process they have utilized to pass this legislation. At a time when our country is suffering through a severe and devastating recession, Himes is casting a vote which will hurt the ability of our economy to create new jobs."

Torres denounced the bill, saying it is chock full of "new middle-class taxes and government spending, numerous federal boards and bureaucracies, mandates and penalties, an entitlement expansion...unprecedented taxpayer funding of abortion...[and] flagrant inequities: special back-room deals at the expense of Connecticut taxpayers for Florida, Nebraska, and Louisiana.''

Lamont, who chaired Obama's campaigns in the state, said the federal bill will provide a good foundation for Connecticut-based efforts to make health care more affordable to small- and medium-sized businesses.

"For the state that's dead last in job creation with some of the highest health care costs in the country, health care reform cannot come soon enough,'' Lamont, a Democrat running for governor, said in a statement.

"Let's make sure that Connecticut is prepared to take full advantage of the legislation passed last night, making health care more affordable for small- and medium-sized businesses in our state and giving them the financial freedom to hire new employees.

"As Governor, I will work to build on President Obama's health care reform efforts here in Connecticut, promoting smart prevention efforts, expanding electronic health records, and inviting small and medium businesses, as well as towns, to join a large insurance purchasing pool, giving them the bargaining power needed to save money."

Never mind what David Frum says: Minority Leader John Boehner's call to repeal the health care bill is getting a warm reception from several prominent Republican candidates in Connecticut.

Three GOP candidates for U.S. Senate, Rob Simmons, Linda McMahon and Peter Schiff, all back the idea.

"This is not the time to give up and go home. Now is the time to fight. We will take this battle all the way to November, and we will win,'' Simmons said in an email to supporters. "Stand up and fight with me to repeal this bill and restore the American free enterprise system that has been the envy of the world for more than 200 years.

"Linda absolutely supports repealing this misguided bill, which increases the deficit, adds to the debt, raises premiums on working families, slashes Medicare, and places an even greater burden on small businesses with higher costs and mandates,'' says McMahon spokesman Shawn McCoy. "Linda believes we need common sense, bipartisan health care reform to address unsustainable rising costs."

Schiff also favors repeal, said his spokeswoman, Jennifer Millikin.

"Our political leaders have once again chosen to offer us an entitlement, instead of solving the underlying problems in our health care system that prior acts of congress helped create,'' Schiff said in a statement.

"Common sense dictates that prior to adding a new entitlement Congress should first solve the huge problems in the ones that already exist. Such sheer incompetence reinforces that we need to send people to Washington who aren't politicians and who understand what drives markets and business, otherwise we're never going to turn our economy around. We'll continue to fall back to mediocrity, instead of being the world leader we should be."

The Connecticut Supreme Court issued a major ruling Monday on the long-running battle over education funding in the public schools.

The Horton vs. Meskill battle has prompted the state legislature to allocate hundreds of millions of dollars through the years to Hartford and far lower amounts to other communities. As such, Hartford consistently spends more money per student than communities like Simsbury and Glastonbury.

In the current fiscal year, Hartford's education cost-sharing grant from the state is about $187 million, compared to about $5.36 million for Simsbury, $3.4 million for Greenwich, $1.5 million for New Canaan, and $1.2 million for Avon.

Attorney General Richard Blumenthal noted that the case is being sent back to a lower court and is "lacking a majority for a clear result.''

Lembo, the state's health care advocate, said he was moved by last night's vote in the House.

"Perfect or not, this legislation finally gives hope to Americans who have suffered the financial and emotional stress of being without health insurance, and I look forward to meeting opponents on the campaign trail in the coming months,'' Lembo said in a statement.

"If Republicans truly believe it is okay to deny coverage based on pre-existing medical conditions, health status and gender, that it is okay to set lifetime limits on coverage, and okay to drop coverage when it is needed most, I welcome that debate."

Lembo is exploring a run for lieutenant governor. In other Lembo news, he recently received the endorsement of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund.

"Kevin's career demonstrates a deep commitment to public service and to making government work for everyone,'' Victory Fund President and CEO Chuck Wolfe said in a statement announcing the endorsement. "His victory will be an affirmation of openness and honesty in politics, so we are proud to stand with him in this important and exciting campaign.''

If elected, Lembo would be among the highest-ranking gay elected officials in the U.S.

While he congratulated Congress, and the state's Democratic delegation in particular, for passing the health care bill, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dan Malloy said the state needs to tackle the issue as well.

"When it comes to the law's impact here in Connecticut, it's important to remember that most major changes will take years to implement,'' Malloy said in a statement this morning. "As I've said many times, Connecticut can't afford to rely on the federal government when it comes to making progress on big issues. That's why I supported the SustiNet and pooling bills last year, and it's why as Mayor of Stamford I implemented the Every Child Matters program, extending health insurance to more than 2,200 uninsured HUSKY eligible children.

"This progress should serve as a reminder of not only what government can accomplish, but also of the work still left to be done in Connecticut."

Sam Caligiuri, a Republican hoping to unseat Democrat Chris Murphy in the 5th District, said he's ready to debate the health care overhaul, which Murphy supported and Caligiuri did not.

"Fifth District voters have serious concerns about this bill that should be addressed directly, not characterized as 'lies and propaganda,''' Caligiuri said in a statement. "I invite Chris Murphy to a debate so that voters in our district can hear from both sides and decide if the concerns expressed over provisions in this bill are justified. For Murphy to be dismissive of his constituents' concerns is shameful. He should come home and engage in an open debate about how this legislation will impact citizens of the Fifth District.''

Caligiuri issued the challenge to Murphy this morning on Brad Davis' radio show; David agreed to host.

Yesterday, shortly after the health care bill passed the House, Murphy issued a statement saying that now all the "lies and propaganda" surrounding the bill will be proven false.

The Lt. Governor says the bill is "particularly harmful" to residents of Connecticut because "about 95 percent of our citizens do have health insurance."

"This bill was repeatedly rejected by the American people and it is especially bad for Connecticut, the insurance capital of the world,'' Fedele, a Republican running for governor, said in a statement.

"It contains a number of job-killing provisions that will guarantee lost jobs in our state. It nearly doubles the tax on health insurers and triples the penalty on small businesses who don't offer health care insurance to their employees from $750 to $2000 per employee and applies the penalties to both part-time and full-time workers. Other provisions raise the top marginal rate on small business owners by 20 percent and the top tax rate on investment income by 60 percent -- discouraging economic growth and job creation. These provisions will decimate small businesses and cost Connecticut jobs at the worst possible time."

Fedele is calling on Attorney General Richard Blumenthal to join other AGs in filing a lawsuit to stop the measure.

Murphy, a Democrat representing the 5th District, was the target last summer of much wrath from those opposed to the health care overhaul.

Tonight, after the House vote approving the measure, he took aim at the "lies and propaganda" that he says were spread by critics of the bill.

"Once this bill passes, all the lies and propaganda will be proved false,'' he said in a statement. "No death panels will sprout up, and the government won't take over the health care system. Instead, Medicare benefits will increase, small businesses will get tax cuts to provide health care, and people with pre-existing condition will get health coverage.''

"The fight for health care reform has lasted nearly a century and frustrated Presidents and legislators of both parties,'' U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd said in a statement following tonight's vote in the House.

"But tonight, at long last, we have won this fight on behalf of the American people. This vote makes it clear that scare tactics and the special interests are no match for the call of history and the need for change. No matter who they are or where they live or what they do for a living or have in the bank, every American family deserves good health care. And, with this historic legislation, they will be able to get it."

Russo, a Republican running against U.S. Rep. Jim Himes in the 4th District, said his very first task, if elected, would be to repeal the health care bill.

"Not only has Congress just spent a trillion dollars to harm our health care system, businesses and families, Congress failed to actually fix the problems the people had with our health care system--cost of insurance and access to our great health care,'' Russo said in a statement.

"Even worse, this was done against the will of the people. Congressman Jim Himes, you refused to come back and meet with the citizens and host a town hall meeting--you didn't want to tell them you had already decided. Congressman, you chose to side with Nancy Pelosi not the People and you will be held accountable for it. Families cannot afford the increased costs you have placed on them. Businesses cannot afford the tax hikes and increased premiums you have placed on them. And, doctors cannot afford to practice with the limits you have placed on them."

Rob Simmons, a Republican running for U.S. Senate, said tonight's vote will be remembered "as one of history's worst examples of Washington thumbing its nose at the American people."

"Rather than listen to the voters, Democrats engaged in a series of legislative tricks to force through a partisan rewriting of one-sixth of the American economy,'' Simmons said in a statement. "In the face of record unemployment, shrinking family budgets and unprecedented deficit spending, Democrats have chosen to jam through a bill that will raise taxes, increase premiums and without the bill's accounting gimmicks, raise the deficit by hundreds of billions of dollars."

"The American people have sent a loud and clear message to Democrats: uncontrolled spending, special back-room deals and business as usual are no longer acceptable. This November, Connecticut voters will have a choice between my vision of lower taxes, less government spending and patient-centered health care reform that controls costs, or Richard Blumenthal who will serve as a rubber stamp for Democrats' tax and spend agenda."

"Chris Murphy did not vote for the meaningful health care reforms we need - he voted for significant tax increases, new entitlement programs, an unconstitutional individual mandate, Medicare cuts, and premium rate increases for seniors,'' said Sam Caligiuri, a Republican running against U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy in the 5th District.

"Sadly, this vote was hardly out of character for Murphy as he approaches a record of saying 'yes' to Nancy Pelosi 99% of the time. Add this vote to his support for cap and trade, the budget busting stimulus bill, and the first House-passed public option health care bill, and you get a Congressman who seems incapable of understanding the current economic crisis or how to solve it."

"Connecticut's Congressional delegation has shown its true colors - supporting the political agenda of Nancy Pelosi over the health care needs of millions of Americans."

"The Democrats have betrayed the American people and have set this nation on a perilous course with an illegal vote that will saddle taxpayers with more debt while providing fewer with quality health care options.

Justin Bernier, a Republican trying to unseat U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy, D-5th District, said Murphy ought to be "ashamed" of himself for supporting the health care bill.

"Chris Murphy and his colleagues should be ashamed of themselves for ramming through the health care bill against the will of the American people,'' Bernier said in a statement. "Connecticut voters say they want real health care reforms to reduce costs and expand access to care.This bill fails on both counts; it represents a government takeover that will explode the budget deficit and lead to higher prices.

"Voters tell me they are upset with their representatives in Congress because they are not representing the will of the people.Chris Murphy's vote of 'Yes' for this health care takeover is more proof that he has turned a deaf ear to the people of Connecticut.We must - and will - clean house in November."

In Courtney's words, the bill will end the practice of "tax-paying Americans who don't have health insurance underwritting the health benefits of members of Congress."

UPDATE: After the vote Courtney released a statement on the bill. "Passing this bill is an act of real progress toward helping families, individuals, and small businesses get access to affordable health insurance. This legislation is a major step in fixing our broken health care system and will begin to do so immediately."

In making his case for the health care bill, Himes invoked his friend, Greenwich Democratic Town Committee Chairman Dave Roberson, who died in a car accident earlier this month.

Roberson had no health insurance and did not receive regular medical care, according to Himes. He lost control of his car after a meeting; an underlying heart condition may have contributed to the accident.

Ned Lamont has complained about Connecticut's transportation system during his campaign for governor, but it hit him personally Friday night.

When the cameras started rolling for the first live television debate at the local NBC affiliate, Lamont was not there - and the camera showed an empty spot.

"We begin with an empty lectern,'' moderator Gerry Brooks told the TV viewers. "We will welcome Ned Lamont, who is stuck in traffic.''

Moments later, Lamont finally showed up and was asked a question about the state budget deficits in the current year and in the future by television reporter Tom Monahan.

"Tom, I hope at some point you ask me about transportation because I'm loaded for bear on that now,'' said Lamont, a Greenwich resident who often drives long distances for campaign events.

Lamont currently holds a lead in the latest Quinnipiac University poll of 28 percent to 18 percent over former Stamford Mayor Dannel Malloy, who lost to New Haven Mayor John DeStefano in the August 2006 Democratic primary. Unlike Lamont, Malloy is seeking to qualify for public financing in the campaign. So far, Malloy has raised about $100,000 in qualifying contributions on the way toward the necessary $250,000 that is needed.

If Lamont spends millions, as expected, Malloy could qualify for a maximum of $2.5 million for the primary that will be held on August 10.

Besides Lamont and Malloy, the debate included Simsbury First Selectman Mary Glassman, Ridgefield First Selectman Rudy Marconi, former state Rep. Juan Figueroa and Waterbury Mayor Mike Jarjura. In the latest poll, Glassman had 4 percent, followed by Marconi at 2 percent and Figueroa at 1 percent.

The candidates talked about the projected deficit of more than $500 million for the fiscal year that ends on June 30 and the projected deficit as high as $3.8 billion for the 2012 fiscal year.

"We need to begin shrinking our government to a degree,'' Marconi said. "We also need to look at revenues, and by that I mean tolls.''

Jarjura said, "We have to have a plan of action that takes us out over the next four years. ... I know we can do it.''

Malloy, the longest-serving mayor in Stamford's history, said that both Republicans and Democrats deserve blame for the financial problems at the state Capitol.

"Connecticut is in trouble,'' Malloy said. "The reality is we have not been served well by our leadership. ... We need a laser-like focus on job creation. ... The reality is we're spending too much money - more money than we have.''

When asked if the so-called millionaires' tax is wise, Malloy said, "We have to be very careful. We have to benchmark our tax structure. ... I desperately want the state to become more efficient.''

Since incomes are the highest in the state in lower Fairfield County, some local Democrats have balked about raising the state income tax on the richest residents. Malloy has been asked in the past about hiking the income tax, and he has avoided placing a specific number on how high the tax should be. The state legislature increased the tax last year for the 2009 calendar year on couples earning $1 million or more.

Glassman said that the state must first examine its spending before deciding to raise taxes.

Jarjura, who had been thinking about running for attorney general, has not yet formed an exploratory committee for governor.

Some insiders were surprised Thursday night to see an appearance by Christopher Duffy Acevedo, a political unknown and Branford financial analyst who has been relatively quiet in the gubernatorial race.

U. S. Rep. Christopher Murphy will be voting in favor of President Barack Obama's health care plan on Sunday, prompting criticism from Republicans.

Murphy, who represents a sprawling district that touches the Massachusetts and New York State borders, issued a statement Friday that he would be voting in favor of the bill.

"The message from the people I represent is clear - health care costs and health insurance practices are out of control,'' Murphy said. "While nearly every person I meet has a different idea about what the exact fix should be, everyone agrees that doing nothing is not an option. We need to make changes to the current system to provide people access to affordable care, to cut costs for businesses, and to strengthen Medicare for seniors. The changes we need to make to our health care system will only come by transferring power away from the health insurance industry and to consumers. The current health insurance reform bill does this, and that's why I plan on voting in favor of its final passage.''

He added, "This bill has real, immediate benefits for people. It closes the Medicare drug donut hole, lowers small business health costs, and insures 18,000 of my constituents that currently don't have health care. But maybe most importantly, the bill extends the solvency of Medicare for another decade, and cuts the national deficit by $140 billion. That's real progress that shouldn't be denied to the people of Connecticut."

State GOP chairman Chris Healy said that Murphy's statement was nothing more than "standard Nancy Pelosi boilerplate.''

Dodd, a Democrat, made the observation at the end of a press conference outside his Hartford office this afternoon.

The main topic was Dodd's bill to overhaul the financial regulatory system, but with a major vote looming in the House, the conversation naturally gravitated toward health care.

Dodd said Democrats "really left the door open for people to speculate what was in it - or what could be in it and that ended up having a huge impact.''

But he also predicted that once the bill passes, it could boost the fortunes of Democrats running for re-election (a category that does not, of course, Dodd, who announced earlier this year that his 30-year career in the U.S. Senate will come to an end when his current term expires.)

"There'll be a lot to talk about in terms of positive achievements in this bill,'' Dodd said, citing the closing of the so-called "doughnut hole" for Medicare recipients. "The death panels are not here...the cutting of any guaranteed benefits under Medicare [have] never been here at all in this bill...there's been a lot of misinformation.''

Gov. M. Jodi Rell, former Gov. John G. Rowland, and former U.S. Attorney Kevin O'Connor were among a crowd of more than 900 on Wednesday at the 10th Annual Archbishop's St. Patrick's Day breakfast to benefit Catholic schools.

Rowland has been an attendee in the past, and Dennis House reported this year that he was standing so close to Rell at one point that they almost could have touched each other. But they were both talking to other people at the time and did not speak to each other.

Coming off a new poll that puts him solidly in the lead among Republicans, Greenwich business executive Tom Foley said Thursday night that he would cut state spending by $1 billion if elected governor in November.

A multi-millionaire business executive who is largely funding his campaign, Foley said he would not accept the governor's annual salary of $150,000 as a step toward cutting state spending.

"We definitely do not have a revenue problem,'' he said. "We have a spending problem. ... Our state government is broken and broke. ... I am not one of the Hartford politicians who created these problems.''

Foley, the former U.S. Ambassador to Ireland, has catapulted into the lead in the Republican primary as the only candidate who has been running extensive television advertisements. His name recognition has increased because he previously ran commercials when he was running for the U.S. Senate, but he has since dropped out of that race to run for governor.

Foley appeared on stage with seven other Republican candidates Thursday night in the first live, televised debate of the campaign season. All eight GOP candidates stood at identical podiums at the NBC studio in West Hartford for one hour, and they answered questions in either one minute or 30 seconds.

The clash included Foley and the two candidates who placed second in the poll - Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele of Stamford and Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton. Both of those candidates had four percent - far behind Foley.

The race, however, is still wide open as 50 percent of Republicans said they are undecided. The poll had a margin of error of plus or minus 5 percentage points for the GOP primary.

Boughton and other candidates complained about the Democratic-controlled legislature, saying they have consistently made the wrong choices about state spending.

"They're kind of like the movie 'Gremlins,' '' said Boughton, a former state legislator. "If you feed them after midnight and give them water after midnight, they will multiply with bad ideas and bad public policy. So the bottom line here is we can't feed the gremlin. We can't give them any more money.''

Fedele briefly told the story of his immigrant past when he arrived in the United States from Italy 51 years ago.

"I want to have those same opportunities for you,'' Fedele said, adding that he has created hundreds of jobs in 26 years in the business world.

As the lieutenant governor for more than three years under Rell and a former state legislator for 10 years, Fedele said he has the experience to understand the state budget and to know where to cut. This week, he unveiled his plan that calls for a four-year spending freeze and a four-year hiring freeze that could only be broken if the governor personally signs off on a new person being hired.

The candidates spoke out against binding arbitration for employees, unfunded mandates, the level of spending by the state, and sprawl. Several candidates spoke in favor of the death penalty.

"The most important social issue is economic,'' longtime business executive Oz Griebel said when asked about the death penalty.

"In Connecticut, the death penalty does serve as a deterrent,'' Foley said. "I've had no questions on the death penalty in that period of time'' that he has been traveling around the state.

"As the mayor of one of the safest cities in America, I support the death penalty,'' said Boughton, a former state legislator who followed in his father's footsteps and became mayor of his hometown.

Former U.S. Rep. Larry DeNardis of Hamden, who once served in the state Senate, said that he has the experience to cut state spending. Depending on which estimate is used, the budget deficit for the 2012 fiscal year could be from $3.2 billion to $3.7 billion. He listed various reports, including one by the Thomas Commission, that had proposed cutting state spending through the years, but he said many of the recommendations had been ignored for years.

"I would cut every department, every agency, every board,'' DeNardis said. "It can be cut in virtually every line item.''

As the clock runs down on the long career of the state's senior senator, kudos are coming in from various groups.

This time, it's the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities, which is honoring Dodd with its Roger Sherman Public Service Award,

The award lauds Dodd for his three decades of "dedication and service to Connecticut towns and cities during his distinguished career as congressman and senator." In particular, it cites Dodd's "compassion and tenacity in the cause of those members of our society most in need."

Corey Brinson, 30, of Bloomfield, is running for secretary of the state.

The Republican owns and practices law at Corey J. Brinson LLC in Hartford. He served in the Connecticut Air National Guard until he was honorably discharged in 2004.

Brinson has both a bachelor's degree in political science and a law degree from the University of Connecticut.

This is his first time running for political office, but he has led several organizations. Gov. M. Jodi Rell appointed Brinson as a commissioner of the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission in 2006.

There's a widening gender gap among Republican U.S. Senate candidates Linda McMahon and Rob Simmons but don't count Eileen Redden among the former World Wrestling Entertainment CEO's female fans.

Redden, who has worked with convicted sex offenders for two decades, is deeply troubled by the violent and sexually explicit content once promoted by WWE. And she believes McMahon the candidate ought to answer for the excesses overseen by McMahon the CEO.

"Linda McMahon promotes violence against women and sexual abuse - as reflected in her [WWE] sextertainment,'' Redden said. "She is a dangerous candidate.

There's plenty to see and taste at Agriculture Day at the Capitol today, but the baby chickens may be getting the most attention.

The more than a dozen chickens belong to Gary Proctor, of Bolton, president of Gourm Avian Farms LLC, and they were hatched Wednesday. The chickens played with one another as those attending Agriculture Day watched.

"How cute," one woman said.

"People are just captivated by the chicks," said Rep. Pam Sawyer, R-Bolton.

In a blow to Gov. M. Jodi Rell's plans, 70 percent of voters said they oppose the keno gambling game in the latest Quinnipiac University poll.

Keno

Should keno be allowed in Ct. restaurants, bars, convenience stores?

Yes

27

No

70

Don't Know/No Answer

3

Margin of error: +/- 2.6 percentage points

Source: Quinnipiac University poll

Rell has proposed the legalization of keno in an estimated 600 to 1,000 bars, taverns, and restaurants across the state as a way to generate about $60 million in revenue per year. Some Democrats have strongly opposed the idea, saying that it could violate the compact between the state and the two Indian tribes in southeastern Connecticut that operate keno games at the Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods casinos.

Besides collecting the revenue, Rell was planning to use the keno proceeds as part of a "securitization'' proposal to sell bonds in order to close the state budget deficit that is projected at more than $500 million in the current fiscal year and is expected to grow in the future.

Keno was the 69th and final question in a long poll that asked voters about political candidates in the gubernatorial and attorney general races, among other things.

"Voters disagree with Gov. Rell on Keno,'' said Douglas Schwartz, the longtime director of the Hamden-based Quinnipiac poll. "They don't want to see an expansion of gambling.''

Only 3 percent of voters did not have an opinion on keno - a tiny number at a time when a huge chunk of the electorate is undecided in the Republican and Democrat races for governor.

In the same poll, residents were against the installation of tolls on state highways by 56 percent to 40 percent.

The Q poll frontrunner said she's had a chance to examine the legal implications of joining a lawsuit by Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley to overturn the federal Defense of Marriage Act.

"I have reviewed Attorney General Coakley's lawsuit and determined that indeed I would support bringing a similar action in Connecticut when I become attorney general because I do think it's important that same-sex couples have the same rights under federal law,'' Bysiewicz said in a phone message to me yesterday.

Two Greenwich millionaires - Democrat Ned Lamont and Republican Tom Foley - maintain their frontrunner status in the potential gubernatorial primaries in the latest Quinnipiac University poll that was released this morning.

Lamont, a cable television entrepreneur, leads former Stamford Mayor Dannel Malloy by 28 percent to 18 percent. Simsbury first selectman Mary Glassman is in third place at 4 percent, but 44 percent of Democrats remain undecided - making the race a wide open contest.

Democratic Candidates For Governor

Feb. 10, 2009

Nov. 10, 2009

Jan. 21, 2010

18-Mar-10

Lamont

na

23

27

28

Malloy

12

9

11

18

Glassman

na

na

4

4

Figueroa

na

na

1

1

Marconi

na

1

1

2

Amann

4

3

5

na

LeBeau

na

2

2

na

Bysiewicz

44

26

na

na

Someone Else

3

1

4

1

Wouldn't Vote

2

2

2

2

Don't Know/No Answer

36

33

44

44

Margin of error: +/- 4.2 percentage points

On the Republican side, Foley has increased his support to 30 percent against Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele of Stamford and Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton, who are both tied at 4 percent. Some insiders believe that Boughton could have enough support from his days as a state legislator and mayor to capture 15 percent of the delegates at the convention and qualify for the GOP primary. In that race, 50 percent of Republicans are undecided - giving a chance for plenty of movement in the multi-candidate field, including a series of candidates who are polling in the single digits.

GOP Candidates for Governor

Jan. 21

18-Mar

Foley

17

30

Fedele

8

4

Griebel

2

2

Boughton

6

4

Wright

na

2

Marsh

na

--

DeNardis

4

2

Someone Else

2

2

Wouldn't Vote

2

3

Don't Know/No Answer

59

50

Margin of error: +/- 5 percentage points

In potentially the biggest surprise of the day, Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz maintains a huge lead in the race for attorney general, despite a barrage of negative publicity for the past two months over whether she has the necessary 10 years of "active practice'' of the law in Connecticut, which is the requirement under the law to be attorney general. Bysiewicz has the support of 54 percent of those polled, far ahead of former state Senate majority leader George Jepsen of Ridgefield at 10 percent. Overall, 31 percent of Democrats are still undecided in that race.

Attorney General

Democratic Candidate

Jan. 21

18-Mar

Bysiewicz

62

54

Jepsen

10

10

Staples

na

2

Schulman

na

2

Jarjura

3

na

Wouldn't Vote

--

1

Don't Know/No Answer

24

31

Margin of error: +/- 4.2 percentage points

"One has to wonder how long she can maintain her big lead if the various controversies surrounding her campaign continue,'' said Douglas Schwartz, the longtime Quinnipiac pollster.

Attorney General

GOP Candidates

18-Mar

Deane

9

Roraback

13

Pavia

8

Someone Else

2

Wouldn't Vote

3

Don't Know/No Answer

66

Margin of error: +/- 5 percentage points

The candidates are battling for the support of delegates at the party conventions in May in Hartford, and then they will clash in statewide primaries on August 10.

Many of the top office-seekers in the state are scheduled to appear Thursday night at a candidates forum at the Canton Community Center.

The list of scheduled speakers includes three leading Democratic candidates for governor : Greenwich cable television entrepreneur Ned Lamont, former Stamford Mayor Dannel Malloy, and Simsbury First Selectman Mary Glassman.

In the latest Quinnipiac University poll, Lamont is ahead of Malloy by 28 percent to 18 percent with 44 percent of Democrats still undecided. Glassman, who won a primary for lieutenant governor in August 2006, is in third place at 4 percent.

Three candidates for attorney general - Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz of Middletown, former state party chairman George Jepsen of Ridgefield, and state Rep. Cameron Staples of New Haven - are scheduled to be at the forum that starts at 7 p.m. at the center at 40 Dyer Avenue in Canton.

Bysiewicz is currently leading Jepsen by 54 percent to 10 percent, despite two full months of negative publicity over whether she has the necessary 10 years of "active practice'' of the law to be attorney general. Bysiewicz has a favorable rating of 59 percent, while 10 percent view her unfavorably. Overall, 29 percent have not heard enough of her to have an opinion.

By contrast, 75 percent of those polled said they have not heard enough about Jepsen to have an opinion. Jepsen has not served in elective office since January 2003 - when his state Senate term ended from his former hometown of Stamford. He had run unsuccessfully for governor against Democrat Bill Curry, who lost in the general election in November 2002 to Republican John G. Rowland. Jepsen eventually joined Curry's ticket and later became the Democratic state chairman.

Attorneys and advocates called Wednesday for Connecticut to become the fourth state in the nation to eliminate the civil statute of limitations in child sexual abuse cases.

The current age of 48 was established by the legislature in 2002 when lawmakers said that a victim should have 30 years to make a claim upon reaching the age of 18. As such, the age of 48 was written into the law.

Sen. Andrew McDonald, a Stamford Democrat who co-chairs the judiciary committee, said that many of the witnesses Wednesday were talking about the Roman Catholic Church and the allegations of sexual abuse against the late Dr. George Reardon at St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center in Hartford. But he said the bill doesn't mention any particular entity.

"This legislation doesn't speak about anybody in particular,'' McDonald said. "It could be family members suing family members.''

Prompted by the Reardon case, some lawmakers are trying to eliminate the statute of limitations - in a similar move to a failed attempt last year that expired in the judiciary committee without a vote. While attorneys in the Reardon case favor the bill, the Catholic Church, the American Tort Reform Association, and the Insurance Association of Connecticut all testfied against it. An attorney for the Catholic Church said the bill is "almost certainly to be unconstitutional'' if it is passed and signed into law.

"The purpose of the statute of limitations is to provide rights to both parties,'' said Susan Giacalone, representing the insurance association. "It would allow cases that have ceased - this would revive a claim that might be unconstitutional.''

Maine, Delaware, and Alaska have all eliminated the civil statute of limitations in child sexual abuse cases, said Richard Kenny, an attorney for the past 35 years. In Delaware, there was a "window bill'' that eliminated the statute of limitations retroactively for two years.

"The age 48 is purely an arbitrary number,'' Kenny said. "Someone that's 48 years of age and one week'' is barred from making a claim, but someone who is 47 can file a lawsuit.

"We are not changing any of the requirements in terms of proving a case,'' Kenny said. "If the case cannot be proven, that case is going out the door. ... It's the plaintiff that needs to prove that case. ... The trend is going in the direction of extending the statute of limitations.''

The civil statute of limitations has been changed three times in Connecticut, and the last extension was in 2002.

In some cases from decades ago, claims can be difficult to prove because many of the witnesses may have died. Rep. Michael P. Lawlor, the committee's co-chairman, said that in those cases, there may be very little provable evidence.

"You're relying on the emotions of the jury in some ways,'' Lawlor said.

Well-known Hartford attorney Wesley Horton, on behalf of the Catholic Church, submitted written testimony against the bill that said the current law "is already extraordinarily generous to people with sexual abuse claims from their childhood.''

"The important public purposes of having statutes of limitations will be eroded'' if the bill passes, Horton wrote. "Law-abiding people, corporations, and insurance companies will lose confidence that they can rely on existing statute of limitations as they ask themselves and their legislators: 'what statute of limitations will be the next one to fall?' ''

Sen. Thomas Gaffey, D-Meriden, the co-chairman of the legislature's education committee, knows what it is like to get a concussion.

He played football for Maloney High School in Meriden in the 1970s when he was injured.

"It was the scariest injury I ever had," Gaffey said, adding that he was lucky that someone recognized what was wrong.

Not every coach, however, knows how to deal with head traumas, and they are usually not trained medical professionals, Gaffey said, saying that there is a need to make sure that coaches learn about concussions and that doctors are the ones who diagnose head injuries.

Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele called for deep cuts in spending Wednesday, including four-year hiring and spending freezes, merging state agencies, capping the lucrative pensions of state employees, and eliminating the current bonus payments for state employees.

Fedele, who is seeking the Republican nomination for governor, said he would propose no tax increases if he is elected governor in November. And if the Republicans win both the House of Representatives and Senate for the first time in decades, he would pledge to have no new taxes at all.

The state is currently paying more than $1.2 billion annually in pension benefits to more than 42,000 retirees - an amount that Fedele says is simply unsustainable. In addition, the state pension fund is underfunded by $9.3 billion, which he said is "the equivalent of a ticking time bomb'' for the state.

"Quite simply, state employees should not enjoy benefits that far exceed those available to the average working person in our state,'' Fedele said.

As such, Fedele says all new state employees would enroll in a 401 (k) - style plan that is common in the private sector.

Fedele has been in second place in the Quinnipiac University poll behind former U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Tom Foley - a Greenwich millionaire who has never held public office and has been running statewide television commercials to raise his name recognition. A new Quinnipiac poll on the governor's race is scheduled to be released Thursday morning.

State prisons commissioner Brian Murphy called Wednesday for passage of a comprehensive bill that is designed to increase the safety of prison guards and improve operations in the prisons.

The state is calling for stricter penalties against inmates who assault prison guards with bodily fluids, which is known as "fluid throws'' at the prisons.

"We definitely want it as a greater deterrent,'' Murphy told lawmakers at the state Capitol complex. "My staff should not be subjected ... to an assault. .... I strongly feel this will be a deterrent.''

The "fluid throws'' have been made by the prisoners through the years, and the correction officers currently take medication after the "fluid throws'' in order to combat any potential diseases that they may be exposed to.

The bill is also seeking to change the state's Freedom of Information laws to exempt "any records that pose a risk,'' including drawings or aerial pictures of the prisons that inmates are seeking to receive. Also, guards currently are not allowed to bring cell phones and camera phones into the prisons without prior authorization because they are known there as "contraband.'' The bill is targeted at inmates because prisoners who have access to private lines of communication can "intimidate their victims,'' Murphy said.

"An inmate with a cellphone is a serious threat,'' he said.

"These issues are very important,'' said Sen. John Kissel, an Enfield Republican who has six prisons and more than 8,000 inmates in his district.

Public safety commissioner John Danaher spoke in favor of a bill that would restore eligibility to possess a gun for anyone who had been voluntarily or involuntarily committed to an institution for mental health problems in the past. The federal government will remove grant money from the state until the program is implemented, Danaher said.

Former World Wrestling Entertainment CEO Linda McMahon, who has spent millions on TV and radio ads and glossy mailers, now leads the GOP field in the U.S. Senate race, a new Quinnipiac University poll found.

But that won't help her in the general election: McMahon trails Democratic frontrunner Richard Blumenthal by more than 30 percentage points, according to the poll that was released this morning.

McMahon's surge among Republicans -- she leads former Congressman Rob Simmons by 10 points -- is attributable to one factor, Q poll Director Doug Schwartz said in a press release accompanying the poll results.

"Money. She's the only Senate candidate on TV right now,'' Schwartz said. "She quickly has become as well-known and well-liked among Republicans as the former frontrunner for the Republican nomination....Simmons.''

In some quarters of the Democratic party, a debate is raging over Merrick Alpert. The wealthy businessman, one-time lawyer, military man and father of three is seeking the party's nomination for U.S. Senate.

Some Democratic officials fear Alpert could play the role of spoiler and hurt presumptive Democratic nominee Richard Blumenthal. According to a report on WFSB Channel 3's website, the Democratic chairman in Manchester wrote Alpert an email suggesting that he drop his bid.

A similar debate is raging on My Left Nutmeg. Some members of the party's liberal wing still haven't forgiven Alpert for trash-talking Chris Dodd on Fox New last year.

Is Alpert a principled, anti-war progressive bent on challenging the status quo, just as Ned Lamont did in 2006? Or is he a self-promoter willing to do and saying anything to make his name, even if it ultimately hurts the party's chances of winning the seat?

The Simmons campaign issued a lengthy press release in response to an earlier post about whether Linda McMahon would testify at tomorrow's education committee hearing on a bill aimed at preventing and treating concussions among student athletes.

McMahon used to run a company that had some experience dealing with the issue of head injuries and athletes performers. In fact, World Wrestling Entertainment has a detailed policy on the subject posted on its corporate website. That policy dates back to 2008 and stipulates, among other things, that "the intentional use of a folding metal chair to 'strike' an opponent in the head'' could result in a fine and/or suspension.

So how do you explain this match, dubbed which took place in December, 2009, well after the wellness policy took effect? ("TLC," by the way, stands for Tables, Ladders and Chairs)

Attorney Martha Dean of Avon is running again for attorney general, but she won't be facing the same opponent this time.

Dean lost in a race against longtime AG Dick Blumenthal, who is now running for the U.S. Senate. If she wins the Republican nomination, Dean could be running against Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz of Middletown, former state Senator George Jepsen of Ridgefield, or state Rep. Cameron Staples of New Haven.

Dean will be battling against fellow Republican attorneys John Pavia of Easton and Andrew Roraback of Goshen for the nomination.

Gov. M. Jodi Rell spoke with United Technologies Corp. CEO Louis Chenevert on Tuesday morning following remarks at a conference by UTC executives that anywhere is cheaper to do business than in Connecticut.

Chenevert, who was paid about $18 million last year, told Rell that he would meet with her - along with Democratic leaders of the state legislature - in order to talk about the business climate and how the legislature can help businesses.

"I had a very interesting conversation with him,'' Rell told reporters. "I reminded him of the good quality of life we have in the state.''

Republicans and others have slammed the Democratic-controlled legislature for a series of proposed bills that they describe as anti-business, including paid sick leave and various forms of taxation that would generate more money from corporations. But state Rep. Cameron Staples, a New Haven Democrat who co-chairs the tax-writing finance committee, defended the General Assembly.

"I think we've done an awful lot to keep industry - particularly United Technologies - here,'' Staples said. "We want them to stay. ... We have the most generous research and development tax credit in the country.''

Staples said that, to his knowledge, UTC receives the maximum research and development tax credit every year on its corporate taxes.

The state's technical high school system will get new buses-- ones that are equipped with seat belts.

The State Bond Commission approved $2 million Tuesday that will be used to purchase 40 new school buses for the system.

Last month, The Courant reported that nearly 60 percent of the system's buses had serious safety violations last year. The governor announced that she would bond for new buses on the same day the article was published.

At a February forum, Sen. Thomas Gaffey, co-chairman of the education committee, said that several parents of technical school students told him that students were not being bused to job sites and athletic events because the system's buses were inoperable.

In a highly unusual move, the State Bond Commission blocked Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell's plans Tuesday morning for a new, $70 million public health laboratory in Rocky Hill.

Democrats said they had not had enough time to analyze the state-of-the-art facility, which will allow testing for anthrax and various other bio-hazardous materials. Word started to leak out Monday night that the five Democratic members of the commission would oppose the plan, thus postponing the proposal.

While some legislators said the issue was over a lack of disclosure about the plans, insiders said the clash really involves a union dispute over whether union workers would build the new laboratory. The Rell administration was surprised when two Democratic state legislators - Sen. Paul R. Doyle of Wethersfield and state Rep. Tony Guerrera of Rocky Hill - showed up with a union representative, former state labor commissioner Shaun Cashman, at a one-hour meeting Monday to talk about the laboratory with the state public health commissioner, Dr. J. Robert Galvin.

After the vote, Rell told reporters that she was angry and frustrated by the process - saying the plans had been in the works for the past five years and were well known in Rocky Hill.

A group known as "Construction Workers For A Safe Environment'' has been distributing a flier to residents in the area with the statement that the new lab "may cause serious or potential lethal diseases as a result of exposure by inhalation,'' said Stan Einhorn, a Rocky Hill resident who found a flier that was left on his doorstep last week.

Einhorn, who moved to Rocky Hill about one year ago from Wethersfield, said everyone on his street received the flier.

"It's not as bad as Plum Island, but there are contagious things there,'' Einhorn said. "I definitely think it's a bad idea. You wouldn't want your backyard in a place like that. There's a lot of potential problems.''

The vote Tuesday came in two portions, which is common at the bond commission.

Rell called for a roll call vote on the second portion, and each member gave an oral "yes'' or "no.''

"On a tie vote, the motion fails,'' Rell announced to the crowd in the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.

The new laboratory, which had been scheduled to be built near the state veterans home and across the street from Dinosaur State Park, would have replaced the current one at 10 Clinton Street in a congested area of downtown Hartford - within walking distance of the state Capitol, Bushnell Park and The Bushnell theatre.

U.S. Rep. John B. Larson of East Hartford predicted on MSNBC on Monday night that the House of Representatives will be passing the controversial health care bill later this week.

"This is a great moment to be in Congress,'' Larson told Chris Matthews on "Hardball.''

When asked by Matthews if the House will vote on the Senate bill or a rule that would avoid a direct vote on the Senate measure, Larson said, "Self-enacting rules have been used since 1948. I don't think the public cares much about the options we take. They want to see us act.''

Larson said the Democrats will make necessary improvements in health care, saying he will be enacting policies that he hears about when he eats at Augie and Ray's in his hometown of East Hartford.

On Wednesday afternoon, the legislature's Education Committee will hold a public hearing on an important bill that aims to address the problem of head injuries in scholastic sports.

Essentially, the bill that would require coaches to complete an annual training course on recognizing concussions. It would also require any student who suffers a concussion to get cleared by a doctor before resuming athletic activity.

Call it the state's own wellness program.

You might think the woman whose company created what her spokesman calls "a very thorough wellness policy" that includes a detailed protocol for preventing and treating head injuries might have something to add to Wednesday's discussion -- especially since she also serves on the state Board of Education, which will work with the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference and the Connecticut Association of Schools to make sure coaches have the training they need to implement the bill's requirements.

But Linda McMahon, former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment and current Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, won't be attending the meeting, said her campaign spokesman Ed Patru.

Oz Griebel, the longtime business executive who is running for governor as an outsider, has picked up the endorsement of one of the longest-serving Republican senators: Tony Guglielmo.

Guglielmo, who has served at the Capitol since the days of then-Gov. Lowell P. Weicker, Jr. in January 1993, is the best-known lawmaker to support Griebel in his relatively new campaign.

"Oz is unquestionably the best qualified and strongest candidate to lead our entire slate of candidates to victory in November, as well as tackle our state's significant economic challenges come January,'' Guglielmo said in a statement. "As the only true outsider in the race, Oz's experience at the nexus of business and public policy - coupled with his energy, charisma, and ability to build consensus - uniquely position him to take on the ultimate Democratic challenger in November.''

Guglielmo, who operates an insurance company in his hometown of Stafford, will work to help Griebel try to achieve support from the necessary 15 percent of the GOP delegates at the May convention that would enable him to qualify for the August 10 primary.

No, they probably haven't read all 1,336 pages of Dodd's proposal yet. But several of the folks vying to replace him in the U.S. Senate have weighed in with their opinions.

On the right, financial pundit, author and Republican candidate Peter Schiff dismissed the sweeping reform bill as indicative "all that's wrong with Washington" and a weak attempt by the lame-duck Banking Committee chairman to hone his legacy.

On the left, Democrat Merrick Alpert said the bill is emblematic of the Senate's "culture of corruption" and shows why publicly financed campaigns are needed. (And Alpert once again relied on his favorite word to criticize his opponent.)

On the other hand, Democrat Richard Blumenthal found much to praise in Dodd's proposal, though Blumenthal says he wishes it included a proposal for an independent consumer financial protection agency. (I am assuming that Blumenthal was speaking as the state's Attorney General and not as a Senate candidate because his statement on the bill came through the AG's office and not his campaign staff.)

And Independent John Mertens said the bill is better than earlier versions, but still doesn't go far enough.

Ed Patru, spokesman for Republican Linda McMahon, did not offer an opinion (despite this.) "Neither of us have read the Dodd legislation yet,'' Patru said in an email.

Republicans Rob Simmons and Vinny Forras did not respond; I will post their his comments as soon as they arrive.

Last week, I wrote about a Boston-based activist's efforts to get the candidates for attorney general in Connecticut to support a lawsuit by Massachusetts AG Martha Coakley aimed at overturning the Defense of Marriage Act.

Since then, another one of the Democrats running for the office said he would join Coakley's legal battle against the federal government.

In an email to Paul Sousa, George Jepsen said he has had time to research the matter and would file a friend of the court brief if he is elected AG.

"I have had the chance to get up to speed on the Massachusetts DOMA suit, and am fully supportive. As Connecticut's AG I would be willing to file an amicus brief in support, and would solicit the AGs of other states to do so as well,'' Jepsen wrote to Sousa. "Thank you for bringing this to my attention."

State officials are preparing for a potential dust-up Tuesday morning at the State Bond Commission over Gov. M. Jodi Rell's plans for a new, $70 million public health laboratory in Rocky Hill.

Local Democrats in Rocky Hill say they haven't had enough time to analyze the state-of-the-art facility, which will allow testing for anthrax and various other bio-hazardous materials. Some are hoping that the five Democratic members of the bond commission will oppose the plan, thus postponing the proposal for the moment.

The new lab, to be built near the state veterans home and Dinosaur State Park, would replace the current one at 10 Clinton Street in Hartford.

While the lack of public scrutiny has been raised as an issue, insiders say that the real problem is over whether union workers will be able to perform all jobs on the work site. With the controversy swirling in the air, the governor's office sent out 24 pages of background to the bond commission members on the project.

With the weak economy, state officials expect that the laboratory can be built for $12 million less than expected. The lab would be built on 22 acres and have parking for 200 cars.

The legislature's transportation committee modified a controversial bill that would install electronic tolls at state borders. Now, the bill only calls for the Department of Transportation and other state and federal agencies to develop a plan for operating electronic tolls at Connecticut's borders.

The plan would be submitted to the transportation committee by January 12 ,2011.

Despite the major changes to the bill, several committee members were reluctant to support the measure Monday, saying that they do not want tolls in the state.

Supporters of the bill said the committee needs to find new revenue it can use to pay for expensive transportation projects.

A bill that would require lap-and-shoulder, or three-point, seat belts on school buses was passed by the transportation committee Monday 29-7.

The bill would require all new school buses to have seat belts if they are purchased in 2012 or after. This is a change from the original language of the bill, which would have required all school buses to have seat belts by January 2011.

Monday's vote marked the first time that a bill requiring seat belts on school buses has made it out of of the transportation committee. Twenty-three other seat belt bills have been proposed over the past two decades, but they failed to get enough support.

The state's mayors are testifying today in favor of a regional sales tax and a regional hotel tax - as part of a long-running battle to obtain more money for the state's cash-strapped cities and towns.

New Haven Mayor John DeStefano, who first started working for the city of New Haven 31 years ago, said the municipalities have already been doing everything they can to balance their budgets in tough fiscal times. New Haven, which has a 98.3 percent tax collection rate, has already closed two schools, cut public library hours, and imposed three rounds of layoffs over the past two years in order to avoid property tax increases.

Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz's controversial, taxpayer-funded office database identifies 2,500 people who served as delegates to Democratic Party nominating conventions in recent years -- potentially useful information to Bysiewicz in her candidacy for the Democratic state attorney general's nomination.

Here is the number of Republican delegates who are identified on Bysiewicz's database of more than 36,000 names: Zero.

A Democratic rival, and the state GOP chairman both said the disclosure proves that Bysiewicz has used her public office for personal political gain. A Democratic legislative critic said if he ever ordered his staff to prepare such a list at taxpayers' expense, he would expect to be "led out of my office in handcuffs if someone found it."

But Bysiewicz insists that the database -- who also was the subject of a Courant story last Tuesday about its "special notes" on the personal characteristics and political connections of citizens -- is a nonpartisan document that benefits taxpayers.

Bysiewicz has declined to answer questions in interviews for the past week, and, on Friday, her office issued a statement saying that it would have included data on Republican delegates if it had received such information from the party, but it hadn't. However, the office produced no document showing it asked the GOP for it.

Former state Sen. William A. DiBella Friday paid the government $796,627 to settle charges that he took a sham fee on a state pension fund deal that he arranged more than a decade ago with convicted former state Treasurer Paul Silvester.

Friday's payment was put into a federal court account, and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission will be asking a judge to release the funds to the Connecticut state employees' pension fund, said Luke T. Cadigan, assistant director of the SEC's Boston regional office.

After fighting the payment for years, DiBella agreed last month with SEC to make the payment no later than Friday. If he had failed to do so, he would have faced potential contempt sanctions, but Cadigan said Friday: "This takes care of it. There's no sanction, now that he's made the payment."

The transportation committee's chairman says his committee will vote Monday on a bill that would require seat belts on school buses.

The committee is scheduled to meet at 11 a.m. in room 1C of the legislative office building.

The bill, House Bill 5033, calls for the installation of lap-and-shoulder, or three-point, seat belts on school buses by January 1, 2011. It would also allow the commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles to suspend the registration of any bus that does not have seat belts installed.

Rep. Antonio Guerrera, D-Rocky Hill, the committee's co-chairman, proposed the bill after 16-year-old Vikas Parikh, of Rocky Hill, died as a result of a January bus crash on I-84.

State Republican leader Christopher Healy said that the comments by the UTC executives should send out a warning signal to the state legislature.

"The record is clear, anti-business legislation has its effects," Healy said in a statement. "Democrats still don't understand that businesses and available capital create jobs, but that cannot occur if there are too many mandates and too many taxes."

Healy also complained that UTC, as well as all other companies with more than 50 employees, would be required under law to provide paid sick days if a bill that was recently approved by the labor committee passes the full General Assembly.

"Democrats are divorced from reality," said Healy. "Democrats continue to destroy what's left of our economy through laws that will put everyone on permanent leave."

Sen. Edith Prague, the legislature's leading proponent for sick leave, said, "I feel strongly that paid sick time is what we should do for people. I'd like Chris Healy to know about the article in Forbes magazine that clearly documents it's good for business. I feel bad enough for Pratt and Whitney without him rubbing it in.''

Rudy Marconi, first selectman of Ridgefield, kicked off Friday's debate on electronic tolls. He testified at a transportation committee public hearing in favor of a bill that would place electronic tolls at Connecticut's state borders.

Money from the tolls would be used as a revenue source for the state's special transportation fund.

Marconi stressed that Connecticut is facing unprecedented financial difficulties and must do something to increase revenue. Putting tolls at state borders is one of the best alternatives, he said, noting that he wants to preserve state funding to municipalities.

"I think we need to begin that conversation, and we can't wait," Marconi said of tolls.

The state is facing an estimated $500 million deficit for this fiscal year.

Schiff, who takes credit for predicting the financial meltdown, says Blumenthal's action came too late and asked where was the AG "when such lawsuits might have actually helped avert the crisis?"

Turns out Blumenthal did file a lawsuit against those very same agencies for allegedly giving corporations better rates than they gave municipalities and states.

In 2008.

"We are holding the credit rating agencies accountable for a secret Wall Street tax on Main Street -- millions of dollars illegally exacted from Connecticut taxpayers," Blumenthal said in a press release announcing the lawsuit. "Connecticut's cities and school districts have been forced to spend millions of dollars, unconscionably and unnecessarily, on bond insurance premiums and higher interest rates as a result of deceptive and deflated credit ratings. Their debt was rated much lower than corporate debt despite their much lower risk of default and higher credit worthiness."

Triple H (aka Paul Levesque) sat down with WSJ Magazine editor-in-chief Tina Gaudoin. They covered a lot of ground in the 5 minute interview -- his money, his family and WWE's new line of dolls action figures.

But at about 1 minute, 40 seconds into the interview, the topic turned to Triple H's mother-in-law, Linda McMahon.

He says he has kept an arm's length from her Senate campaign and did not want to attend last week's debate in Hartford for fear of becoming the focus of media attention.

"It's not about me, it's not about WWE, it's about...what's right for the state of Connecticut,'' he says.

And while his wife, Linda McMahon's daughter Stephanie, recently cut a commercial for her mom's campaign, Triple H says he steers clear of politics. He has his opinions, but generally keeps them pretty close to the vest: "The surest way to get in a fight with somebody is to start talking politics."

A sportsman's club has pleaded no contest in the tragic death of an 8-year-old boy from Connecticut who shot himself by mistake in 2008 when he could not handle the recoil of an Uzi machine gun in Massachusetts.

Prompted by the death of the boy, the state House of Representatives voted unanimously last year to keep machine guns out of the hands of anyone under the age of 16. The House action came after the state Senate had recently voted 31 to 2 in favor of the bill with two Republicans voting against it.

The new law, which prohibits the transfer of such weapons to children, was in response to the death of Christopher K. Bizilj, an Ashford boy who lost control of a Micro Uzi submachine gun in late October 2008 in Massachusetts and accidentally shot himself in the head.

The third-grader, who was 4 feet 3 and weighed 66 pounds, couldn't control the high-powered weapon's recoil. A Massachusetts grand jury later indicted a police chief, the gun club and two Connecticut men in connection with the accident at the machine gun event in Westfield.

Both Republicans and Democrats have described the measure as "common sense" legislation, saying they believe that most citizens would be surprised to learn that it had been legal for minors to fire such a powerful weapon.

A former state public defender has agreed to pay a $3,000 fine under an agreement to settle a complaint against him by the Office of State Ethics -- after his previous criminal conviction for taking money meant as restitution for crime victims.

James R. Sward, of Bristol, worked in Bristol Superior Court until August of 2006. He had access to funds paid by criminal defendants that were intended as restitution to crime victims, and diverted it for his personal use, the ethics office said in a statement released Thursday.

Stores will not be able to sell alcohol on Sundays. A bill that would allow them to do so died in the program review and investigations committee Thursday.

The committee did not vote on the matter, and it will not meet again before tomorrow -- its last day to act on any bills.

Sen. John Kissel, R-Enfield, co-chairman of the committee, said he did not force a vote on the Sunday sales bill because he did not have enough votes.

"I know how to count," said Kissel, who represents multiple communities along the Massachusetts border.

Ben Jenkins, a spokesman for the Washington, D.C.-based Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, said, "We applaud Sen. Kissel's leadership for holding a public hearing on Sunday sales. Connecticut still faces a major budget shortfall, and we urge state leaders to continue considering Sunday sales as one means to raise some much-needed revenue.''

DISCUS represents the national liquor manufacturers, who are strongly in favor of Sunday sales. Connecticut's wine and spirits wholesalers, as well as the beer wholesalers, have backed the package store owners to prevent Sunday sales.

The attorney general has sued Moody's Investors Service and Standard & Poor's. alleging that they misled investors.

"It's too late," Schiff said in a statement circulated by his campaign. "Why did Blumenthal wait until now to file this lawsuit? Because he's running for the U.S. Senate and sees an opportunity for headlines. This political grandstanding is everything that's wrong with politicians. If he really wanted to help the Connecticut taxpayers, he would have sued these ratings companies years ago and had the foresight to prevent the housing collapse."

Schiff points out that he was calling out the credit rating agencies way back in 2006. In a speech he gave that year to the Western Regional Mortgage Bankers Convention, Schiff warned that ratings agencies "were assigning investment grade ratings to securities [that] would become worthless."

"Where was Blumenthal back then when such lawsuits might have actually helped avert the crisis?'' Schiff's campaign asked. "Just like all the other career politicians, either Blumenthal did not want to disrupt the housing gravy train that temporarily enriched Wall Street and Main Street, or he did not know enough about economics or finance to understand the problem."

HARTFORD - Michael Ian Sohn, accused of embezzling money while campaign manager for former U.S. Rep. Christopher Shays, could be sent to prison for nearly four years under federal guidelines after pleading guilty Thursday.

Sohn, 35, admitted to taking more than $250,000 in campaign contributions that had been made to Shays and converting them to his personal use. He also admitted to evading federal income taxes.

"I made unauthorized withdrawals" with the campaign's debit card, Sohn admitted Thursday in front of a magistrate in federal court.

Sohn was the most trusted aide in the Shays campaign, and he was always in the thick of the political battle during victories over Westport Democrat Diane Farrell in 2004 and 2006 and during the losing campaign in 2008 to Greenwich Democrat Jim Himes.

With authority to supervise the computer program that tracked campaign expenses, Sohn was deeply involved in the campaign finances - and some money was not discovered missing until years later.

Sohn used the money for car repairs, limousine rides, hotels, furniture, fuel oil, baseball tickets to a game between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox in New York, and a charitable donation to a Fairfield synagogue where he attended. He failed to report $527,000 in taxable income from 2005 through 2008, which included the campaign contributions that he converted for personal use. He also failed to report wages that he received as the campaign manager, as well as a federal employee. As such, Sohn owes more than $95,000, plus penalties and interest, to the Internal Revenue Service as restitution on the tax evasion charge.

He pleaded guilty to two of 12 counts of a federal grand jury indictment that was handed up in December. In return for his plea, the other 10 counts will be dropped by the government.

The guilty plea Thursday was a long way from the election night victories that Sohn had celebrated with Shays. No one from the Shays campaign or Sohn's family was present in a small courtroom in the federal courthouse in Hartford.

Many longtime supporters of Shays were absolutely flabbergasted when word first surfaced that Sohn was being investigated by the FBI for embezzlement of campaign funds.

House Republican leader Larry Cafero of Norwalk, who closely followed the Shays elections for years, recalls attending a fundraiser and getting an advance viewing of a Shays commercial from Sohn. Cafero said it was "unbelievable'' that Sohn could have been involved in embezzlement because he came across as a hard-working, hard-core, completely loyal Shays supporter.

"He fooled a lot of people,'' Cafero said. "If you had 1,000 people in a room ... he'd probably be the last guy you would pick. You could have knocked me over with a feather.''

Everyone's talking about Hearst Connecticut's upcoming peek into the living rooms and tax returns of the men and women seeking elective office in the state.

The newspaper chain submitted a list of 16 questions -- ranging from what kind of watch do you wear to what schools do your children attend to what restaurants do you most frequently patronize -- to those running for governor and U.S. Senate.

Several candidates -- notably mega-millionaire Linda McMahon and Greenwich businessman Ned Lamont -- opted not to participate. "Linda submitted a very thorough and detailed personal financial disclosure form,'' her spokesman, Ed Patru said, Such forms are required of all candidates running for U.S. Senate.

UPDATE: Lamont's campaign manager, Joe Abbey, said the campaign also chose not to participate in the exercise. "The biggest thing we want to focus on is Ned's plan to get jobs back in Connecticut and get Connecticut back on track,'' he said.

Peter Schiff and Richard Blumenthal, both Fairfield County millionaires, played along. Photos of Blumenthal in the elegant living room of his Greenwich home are already up on the newspaper chain's websites; Schiff is scheduled to have his picture taken in his Weston home this afternoon, his spokeswoman Jen Millikin said.

Republican Rob Simmons, who -- according to his personal financial disclosure form -- is a New London County millionaire, also participated. "We were fully transparent,'' campaign manager Jim Barnett said. "We provided all answers to all questions to best of our knowledge."

Where do the men and women running -- or exploring a run -- for state Attorney General stand on the federal Defense of Marriage Act?

A Boston-based activist wants to know. Paul Sousa, a student at Boston College Law School, first launched his campaign last summer. At that time, his goal was to urge AG Richard Blumenthal to join a lawsuit filed by his counterpart in Massachusetts, Martha Coakley.

Coakley's complaint challenges the constitutionality of the DOMA. It contends the law, signed by President Clinton, deprives legally married same-sex couples from Massachusetts of their rights under federal law and interferes with the authority of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to regulate marriage. Opponents say it is an attempt to use the courts to force same sex marriage into states where it is not recognized.

But since Sousa's campaign began, Blumenthal announced he's leaving the AG's office to run for U.S. Senate. (As for Coakley, well, that's another story...)

So Sousa is asking activists to contact the candidates to press them to support Coakley's strategy and sign onto the lawsuit.

I asked them all the same question this afternoon. Here's what they said:

The Schiff camp issued a statement tonight in response to what it calls an "attack" by Republican opponent Rob Simmons.

"I'm very surprised that Rob Simmons would condone attacks by his campaign on the family members of his opponents,'' Schiff campaign manager JR Romano said in the statement. "Peter has made no secret of the fact his Dad is in jail. Attacks on family members reek of desperate mudslinging. These may be the campaign methods Congressman Simmons learned in Washington, but this is exactly why Peter is running for the US Senate - to change Washington. "

In fairness to the Simmons campaign, I don't think you can call what they did a direct "attack." Earlier this week, Simmons campaign manager Jim Barnett circulated a copy of a story by the CT Mirror's Mark Pazniokas in which Schiff talks about his father, Irwin.

Barnett highlight key passages in the story dealing with Schiff's dad (and also with Peter Schiff suggestion that people might want to hide gold in their backyards as a way to protect their money in the economic crisis that he predicts is coming.)

U.S. Sen. Christopher J. Dodd and Rep. Rosa DeLauro are hailing the state legislature's labor committee for voting, 6 - 4, in favor of paid sick days for companies with more than 50 employees.

The bill has been highly controversial at the state Capitol as no other state in the nation has passed such a law. Three cities - San Francisco, Washington, D.C., and Milwaukee - have adopted similar laws.

On the federal level, Dodd and DeLauro have co-authored a similar bill on paid sick leave.

"Connecticut was the first state in the nation to see a bill like this pass one of our legislative chambers, and with today's vote we are now one step closer to seeing it become law," Dodd said in a statement. "No one should have to choose between their job and their health or that of their family. And thanks to the leadership of people like Edith Prague, Rosa, and my late friend Ted Kennedy, they hopefully won't have to make that unfair choice for much longer."

William Petit Jr., the lone survivor of the 2007 Cheshire home invasion, urged lawmakers Wednesday to make changes to Connecticut's death penalty that would stop unnecessary delays in the death penalty process.

He also said that victims should have the right to be heard by a jury in death penalty cases before a verdict is determined. Currently, victims are allowed to read impact statements in court before a verdict is announced, but after a verdict has been determined.

The state should have some sense of responsibility to victims, said Petit, who lost his wife, Jennifer Hawke-Petit, and his two daughters, Hayley and Michaela, in the home invasion.

Dannel Malloy officially announced he is running for governor Wednesday - 13 months after starting to explore the race.

Malloy is the longest running candidate in the race, having spent more than two years and nearly $4 million before losing in the Democratic primary in 2006. None of the other candidates has returned four years later as Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell, New Haven Mayor John DeStefano, and Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz have all declined to run for the state's top political post.

After filing papers in Hartford, Malloy walked outside into the bright sunshine and received a warm welcome from more than 100 supporters, including current and former Democratic state legislators.

"We are a great state with great people, who for many years has suffered,'' Malloy told the crowd, adding that the state has not had great leadership in recent years.

"In so many ways, being the governor of the state of Connecticut is a little bit like being the mayor of a major United States city,'' Malloy said, referring to his 14 years as mayor in his hometown of Stamford.

"It's time that we have that kind of leadership in that building over there,'' Malloy said from the steps of 20 Trinity Street as he pointed to the state Capitol. "The people of Connecticut are ready for change, expecting change. Quite frankly, they're demanding change, and we're going to give it to them.''

He wrapped up his remarks to the crowd by saying, "Just remember. When we win, we change Connecticut forever. God bless you all.''

ROCKY HILL -- Gov. M. Jodi Rell is hoping to improve the living areas at the State Veterans' Home and wants to rehabilitate the five state-owned homes across the street for veterans returning from Iraq or Afghanistan.

Funding for the two projects is expected to be approved by the state bond commission March 16, Rell said.

Nearly $2.5 million in state bonds will help the state upgrade living areas at the veterans' home on West Street. The total cost of the project is $9.2 million, and Rell says the federal government has already given conditional approval to pay the remaining 65 percent.

Bysiewicz immediately drew blasts from Republican State Chairman Chris Healy and her two rivals for the Democratic attorney general's nomination this year -- former state Senate Majority Leader George Jepsen of Stamford and state Rep. Cameron Staples, D-New Haven.

Jepsen said: "This database was used to further her political ambition. This is a misuse of state resources and taxpayer money. She violated the personal privacy of the citizens who approached her office for help -- she owes them an apology. She should also give the people on this list an opportunity to remove their information."

Staples said: "The violation of people's right to privacy is truly shocking. No one should be concerned when they seek assistance from the state that their personal information will be publicly displayed. This database ought to be deleted before any further invasion of privacy occurs."

In a statement to the Courant Tuesday, Bysiewicz had denied that the notations were intended for political use.

Healy said: "I am amazed that she can contrive these farcical answers to justify what she is doing. It's a political intelligence file for her own use, which is being paid for by the taxpayers."

Today will bring the second court hearing in Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz's lawsuit to try to convince a judge that she is qualified to run for state attorney general -- and the day began with the disclosure that her office's 36,000-name constituent database contains notations about many people's personal characteristics and political connections.

Bysiewicz denied Tuesday that political advancement is the motive behind what are labeled as "special notes" in the database. the political-sounding notes are attached

The notations include references to certain Democratic politicians being "influenced" by other named political figures. There are even five mentions of local Democratic Party officials or lawyers who are said to be aligned with George Jepsen, the former state Senate majority leader from Stamford who is one of Bysiewicz's rivals for this year's Democratic nomination for attorney general.

Two of them are listed in the "special notes" as "Friend of Jepsen." Another "likes Jepsen." Another "loves George Jepsen." And still another "went to Harvard Law with Jepsen."

Fifteen moderate Democrats are calling for a resolution of the state budget dilemma, and Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell is pledging to work with them.

Led by Sen. Bob Duff of Norwalk, the group sent a letter to House Speaker Christopher Donovan and Senate President Pro Tem Donald Williams to say that they cannot support more borrowing to solve the state's problems.

The four Senate Democratic moderates - Duff, Joan Hartley of Waterbury, Paul Doyle of Wethersfield, and Gayle Slossberg of Milford - all opposed raising the state income tax for couples earning $250,000 each. The number was eventually pushed up to $1 million per couple.

The letter states that the group has a two-fold purpose.

"First, we respectfully request that the legislative leadership and governor's office go to work right away on a resolution to this year's shortfall,'' the letter says. "As you know, the governor recently unveiled her latest deficit mitigation package. While not perfect, it is a place to begin a dialogue. While no solution is easy or without pain, we all have a responsibility to the taxpayers of this state to get our fiscal house in order. The scope and proportions of our economic crisis demand urgent and coordinated action by both the legislature and the governor.''

Now that the clash between White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel and U.S. Rep. Eric Massa has gone public, a remarkable video on YouTube is even more interesting.

It captures Massa's unsuccessful race for the U.S. House in 2006 and shows him talking with Emanuel in scenes that are not often captured on film.

"I don't want you tonight on TV to be angry,'' Emanuel tells Massa in a private conversation at the start of a campaign event in upstate New York as the cameras rolled. "OK? Just take it down a notch.''

The video then shows Massa traveling in his car, saying that Emanuel "thinks I'm too fiery.''

"Obviously, Congressman Emanuel is not a veteran,'' Massa said. At the time, Emanuel was the powerful chairman of the DCCC, which raises money nationally for Congressional candidates.

"He lost a lot of jobs in his district, and he knows this is not the time to add mandates,'' said Kia Murrell, an attorney who lobbies on labor issues for CBIA, the chief opponent of the bill.

The bill is now likely headed to the judiciary and appropriations committees before hitting the Senate floor. The bill died in the Senate last year without a vote after lawmakers said the issue was tied at 18 to 18.

U.S. Rep. Eric Massa, a controversial first-term New York Democrat, is telling his side of the story after resigning and deciding not to seek re-election in November.

One of his stories includes a clash with fellow Democrat Rahm Emanuel, the powerful White House chief of staff and top adviser to President Barack Obama. His story is going national as Massa has scheduled appearances on major TV networks with Glenn Beck on Fox News and Larry King on CNN.

Almost a decade ago, Michael Mehigen was the one to see as Rentschler Field rose from the ground in East Hartford.

Wearing a hard hat, Mehigen gave tours to reporters and others in 2001 as the property was transformed from a simple, flat, empty area off Silver Lane to a state-of-the-art college football stadium. Back in those early days in the winter of 2001, the site was nothing but a deep hole in the ground with tons of dirt being moved around.

The chairman of the Greenwich Democratic Town Committee has died following a single-car accident on the Post Road in the Riverside section of Greenwich.

David Roberson, 42, had been returning Monday night from a meeting of the Representative Town Meeting, a large body of 230 elected citizens who set policy in Greenwich. A graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Roberson was well known among politicians in town.

Longtime Greenwich resident Ned Lamont, who is running for governor, said, "Dave Roberson was a friend, a colleague and a tireless worker. He was a joyous and loyal person who was intensely committed to his ideals and the causes he believed in. My thoughts and prayers go out to Dave's mother, Charlene, and the rest of his family.''

Over the past week, political observers have been lauding Schiff's performance in last week's debate. The broker and author from Weston managed to steal the spotlight from what had previously been cast as two-person, knock-down GOP brawl between Rob Simmons and Linda McMahon.

Yesterday came confirmation that Schiff might be a player after all. As noted by Kevin Rennie, the Simmons camp circulated what could be its first critique of the Schiff campaign: a copy of Mark Pazniokas' detail-rich profile in the CT Mirror, with special emphasis on Schiff's statement that he agrees with his father, Irwin, about the income tax. Irwin Schiff is currently in federal prison for failing to pay his taxes.

Schiff knew it was coming: way back in August, when he sat down with me for a lengthy interview at his house, Schiff predicted his father would probably become a campaign issue. ""My dad didn't lie about anything," Schiff says. "He told the government he wasn't paying his taxes and here's why. . . . The worst you can say about my dad was that he was mistaken."

The death penalty issue is back and will be discussed at a judiciary committee public hearing Wednesday.

The hearing is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. in room 2C of the legislative office building.

Last year, lawmakers in both the House and the Senate voted to abolish the death penalty, but did not have the numbers to override Gov. M. Jodi Rell's veto. This year's bill would not get rid of capital punishment, but it would attempt to streamline the complicated death penalty process. The bill allows lawmakers to see if there's some way to fix the "broken system," said Michael Lawlor, co-chairman of the judiciary committee.

Facing huge opposition in a residential neighborhood, Gov. M. Jodi Rell has backed off her push for a new detention center for girls in Bridgeport.

Rell had been pushing for months for a new facility on state-owned land on Virginia Avenue near the Beardsley Zoo, but the city's mayor and legislative delegation opposed the idea.

Now, Rell is starting the process over by issuing a new request for proposals - opening the issue for statewide input.

State officials have avoided using the term "jail'' to describe a secure facility in which the troubled girls, who have gotten into criminal problems, are not allowed to leave. Instead, they call it a treatment center and say it will be constructed to look like a school.

The plan calls for 16 secure beds and another eight beds for girls aged 18 and under who will be moving back soon to residential facilities.

The outcry in Bridgeport was led by state Rep. Christopher Caruso, an outspoken Democrat who has criticized the Rell administration on various issues. Some Bridgeport officials suggested that the state should used the High Meadows Residential Facility in Hamden, but that idea troubled lawmakers in that community.

As such, the process will start from scratch.

"This treatment center is already long overdue - the state has been without a secure facility for young girls since the Long Lane School in Middletown was closed in 2003," Rell said in a statement. "Sadly for the young girls in need, efforts to site this facility have encountered one obstacle after another. However, I believe that through the RFP process we can quickly identify a community that will welcome the project and move ahead in a timely fashion.''

The state is exploring three ideas and is asking contractors to respond with proposals within the next 60 days that would fit those ideas.

Caruso called Rell's announcement "interesting," but held back from calling it good news until he knows whether the Bridgeport and Hamden sites are "off the table." By that he meant that no non-profit group would be allowed to buy either site from the state and develop it into the detention facility for the girls.

Nancy Alderman's passion about a wood smoke bill prompted the environment committee's chairman to single her out at a public hearing Monday- and not because of her ideas.

Alderman cut off state Rep. Bryan Hurlburt, D-Tolland, as he commented on the bill, which would both ban outdoor wood-burning furnances from April 15 to October 15 and make wood smoke a public nuisance

Alderman, president of Enivronment and Human Health Inc., favors the wood smoke bill, saying it is a step in the right direction. In her testimony, she stressed that wood smoke furnances are dangerous and can cause health problems. Wood smoke plumes can travel about a half mile, she added, noting that nine Connecticut towns already prohibit wood smoke, incouding Granby, Hadaam and Woodbury.

Sessions, a New Hartford native who has been in D.C. working for Sen. Chris Dodd in various capacities for the past five years, will handle the press for Ned Lamont's gubernatorial campaign.

Sessions is currently spokeswoman for the Senate Banking Committee, which Dodd heads. Prior to that, she served as Dodd's deputy press secretary.

She will start her new post on Monday.

Courant staff writer Eric Gershon also reports that Lamont has established a campaign headquarters on Orange Street in New Haven. The office has been open since March 1, according to Lamont campaign manager Joe Abbey.

Dominic Alaimo has been operating a package store in Enfield for the past 31 years, and he works long hours at his shop.

But Alaimo wants the option to work even harder - opening on Sundays because he says business drives right by his Freshwater Package Store at 920 Enfield Street on the way to the Massachusetts border.

Working seven days a week wouldn't bother him, and he would certainly work on Sunday.

"Absolutely,'' Alaimo said in an interview. "It's a tough economy.''

On philosophical and practical grounds, Alaimo said he cannot understand the position of the Connecticut Package Stores Association, Gov. M. Jodi Rell, and Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele - who all oppose the sales of beer, wine, and hard liquor in package stores and supermarkets on Sundays. He rejects the idea that it has always been that way and that Sunday has traditionally been a day of rest.

"The government has no business telling us when we can open or close,'' Alaimo said. "Bars are open. Restaurants are open. Car dealers are open. Shouldn't them people rest, too?''

Massachusetts allows Sunday sales, and the steady stream of cars heads over the border on a regular basis - which Alaimo says hurts him and many other package stores near the border.

"My business is down 40 percent,'' said Alaimo, whose store is on Route 5 near town hall. "We're getting destroyed.''

An outspoken advocate of Sunday sales, Alaimo is an active Republican who ran unsuccessfully for a town council seat in the November 2009 election against longtime Democrat "Red'' Edgar.

Alaimo traveled to the state Capitol complex Monday for a long-awaited hearing by the Program Review and Investigations Committee on whether the state should legalize the Sunday sales of alcohol. The package store association, led by executive director and lobbyist Carroll Hughes, has beaten back the proposal every year. They say that Sunday sales would not increase the state's tax collections because alcohol sales would be spread out over seven days, rather than six. The volume would not go up, taxes would remain the same, and the store owners would be forced to pay overtime rates to workers on Sunday, Hughes said.

The main group in favor of the Sunday sales is the manufacturers, represented by the Washington, D.C.-based Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, known as DISCUS. The wine and spirits wholesalers, as well as the beer wholesalers, support the ban and are in favor of keeping the stores closed on Sundays.

Connecticut is one of only three states in the nation with an across-the-board ban on beer, wine, and hard liquor in package stores and grocery stores on Sundays. Others have various levels of the ban, and 14 states do not allow the sale of distilled spirits on Sundays.

HARTFORD -- Connecticut is an example of why it is so important to expand and extend the emergency contingency fund for the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families' block grant, said U.S. Rep. John Larson, D-Conn.

In Connecticut, government and the private, philanthropic and nonprofit sectors are working together to leverage federal funding and to create more job training opportunities for future workers. These groups, however, say they need more time to maximize opportunity and to develop plans that meet eligibility requirements for stimulus money.

The emergency contingency fund for the needy families' grant is set to expire this fall.

Larson came to the legislative office building Monday to lead a forum on the needy families' grant. The congressman is a co-sponsor of a bill that would extend the grant's contingency fund for one year. It would also allow states to get 100 percent federal funding for eligible spending increases.

Lynn Taborsak of the League of Women Voters of Connecticut will be in Washington this week to push for climate change legislation. She will meet with Sen. Chris Dodd and Joe Lieberman.

"Our Senators will soon have the historic opportunity to take meaningful action on an issue that is neither conservative nor liberal--and will affect everyone in our state for centuries to come," Taborsak, a former state representative from Danbury, said in a press release announcing the trip.

A former state prosecutor, who was convicted of larceny and jailed in 2008 for stealing more than $50,000 in funds intended for crime victims and charities, now has agreed to pay a $2,000 fine under an agreement to settle a complaint against him by the Office of State Ethics.

L. Mark Hurley of Shelton has paid the first $1,000 of the fine and has 60 days to pay the rest, the ethics office announced Monday. He violated state ethics laws by "using his access to funds paid by criminal defendants for his own personal use," the ethics office said.

The ethics complaint was a follow-up to a 2008 criminal case that led Hurley, a former prosecutor in the Milford Superior Court, to serve about 11 months in jail. The 20-year prosecutor was charged in April of 2008 with first-degree larceny and second-degree forgery, and later pled no-contest to the charges.

Rob Simmons has snared a high-profile endorsement: he's won the backing of former Congresswoman Nancy Johnson.

Johnson, who served alongside Simmons in the U.S. House until both were swept out in a wave of anti-Republican sentiment in 2006, said Simmons would bring "honor and integrity" to the U.S. Senate. (2006, as you recalls, is the year that another GOP Senate candidate, Linda McMahon, donated $10,000 to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and some of that money may have been used to unseat Simmons and Johnson.)

"Rob Simmons is uniquely qualified to serve as our next United States Senator,'' Johnson said in a press release. "As a decorated veteran and CIA agent, Rob risked his life to defend our nation. As a legislator and Connecticut's Business Advocate, he fought for lower taxes, less government and jobs for Connecticut families.''

"One of Rob's unique qualifications, and one that will enable him to be effective from day one, is his Senate experience gained at a time when the Senate was an effective, thoughtful and far more balanced body. As Republican staff director of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Rob knows how Senators can and must work together and, equally important, how to use the far more open Senate floor process to amend bills to build stronger solutions through bipartisan action."

In the longrunning battle over whether the Sunday sales of alcohol should be legalized in Connecticut, a visiting Trinity College professor will testify today at the state Capitol complex that the sales are good for the economy.

Edward Peter Stringham is the co-author of a book titled, "No Booze? You May Lose: Why Drinkers Earn More Money Than Nondrinkers.''

Stringham was previously an economics professor at San Jose State University, and he was interviewed on CNBC television about his findings that men who drink earn 10 percent more than nondrinkers and women who drink earn 14 percent more than their nondrinking counterparts. On top of that, men who have frequented bars within the past month earn 17 percent more than those who did not, according to Stringham.

There's no hunting on Sundays in Connecticut -- even if a deer is the target.

State law has prohibited hunting on Sundays since at least 1877, when breaking the law meant a fine of between $7 and $25.

In recent years, lawmakers have proposed several bills that would allow hunting on Sundays, but none have been signed into law.

Many of those bills would have allowed hunting on Sundays only on private property with the owner's permission. Some, including one that was passed by the environment committee last year, got even more specific, saying that only bow and arrow hunting would be allowed on private parcels.

There is one Sunday hunting bill being considered by lawmakers this legislative session. It was proposed by Sen. Edith Prague, D-Columbia, on behalf of a constituent, and it mirrors last year's bill.

Historically, the state Department of Environmental Protection has supported bills that would allow limited Sunday hunting. Another day of hunting would help the state deal with its deer problem, said Mark Clavette, a wildlife biologist and the conservation education and firearms safety administrator for DEP.

Clavette noted that in most of the bills considered by lawmakers, the DEP commissioner would get to decide where to allow Sunday hunting. It would likely be limited to areas that have the greatest number of deer, such as the shoreline and Fairfield and New Haven counties, he said, adding that allowing Sunday hunting is the last tool the state has to manage the deer population.

Those who oppose Sunday hunting bills either philosophically object to hunting, or worry that hunting is dangerous, Clavette said. Some just want to enjoy the outdoors without hunters, he said.

The broker/pundit/Republican candidate for U.S. Senate is poised to launch his first round of television ads, sources say. The campaign declined to discuss the ad buy, saying it does not talk about strategy.

Schiff, widely praised for his showing in the first debate among GOP Senate candidates, has never run for elective office before and remains unknown to a significant percentage of the state's electorate. It would make sense that he'd try to build on what Rick Green calls a "real and honest" performance last week.

Lamont is in a five-way race for the Democratic nomination against former Stamford Mayor Dannel Malloy, Simsbury First Selectman Mary Glassman, Ridgefield First Selectman Rudy Marconi, and former state Rep. Juan Figueroa of Meriden. Figueroa intends to collect about 15,000 signatures to ensure his place on the ballot.

Superior Court Judge Michael Sheldon said Friday that he's giving "expedited consideration" to Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz's lawsuit over whether she meets the state's statutory requirement to run for Connecticut attorney general -- in hopes of a ruling in time for the Democrats' nominating convention May 21 and 22.

Sheldon tended to scheduling matters at a hearing in Superior Court in Hartford as he conferred with lawyers for Bysiewicz, the state attorney general's office, and the state Republican and Democratic parties.

Bysiewicz's lawyers, Wesley Horton and Daniel Krisch, said that by Monday they would produce a folder of documents for the court and other attorneys. The documents will be part of the evidence with which they will try to prove Bysiewicz's claim that her 11 years as secretary of the state count as the "active practice" of law, even though a person doesn't need to be a lawyer to hold the office.

If you weren't up late the other night watching Anderson Cooper on CNN, you might have missed a segment on Linda McMahon's intention to spend as much as $50 million of her own money to win the U.S. Senate race in Connecticut.

McMahon did not appear in an interview on the show, but former U.S. Rep. Rob Simmons of Stonington was interviewed when CNN came to Connecticut.

This time, it's Mass. Congressman William Delahunt. The seven-term Democrat who represents Boston's South Shore and the Cape announced yesterday he won't run for reelection.

Delahunt spoke of Ted Kennedy's death in the context of his decision. "Clearly, since his death, there's something missing. There's a void. With the void, you feel the need to be here because there's much to do,'' Delahunt said in an interview with the Boston Globe's Susan Milligan. But he concluded that the demands of Washington were taking a toll on his personal life.

Milligan notes that Delahunt is the third lawmaker with close ties to Kennedy to announce that he is stpping down. Kennedy's son, U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy of Rhode Island, is not running for reelection. And neither is Chris Dodd, who invoked the death of his close friend when he announced his decision to retire back in January.

Former Lt. Gov. Kevin B. Sullivan always got along with state Rep. Ernie Hewett of New London in their days spent together under the Gold Dome.

But Sullivan, an opponent of expanded gambling, was disturbed by a quote from Hewett in The Hartford Courant. Hewett, who gave up gambling years ago, said there is so much gambling in Connecticut that he would not mind if the controversial keno game was played on every corner.

The comment was made during an informational forum on Gov. M. Jodi Rell's plan to legalize keno and install the game in 600 to 1,000 bars, taverns, and restaurants across the state.

Police officers who shoot animals while facing imminent danger would be eligible for workers' compensation benefits under a bill passed unanimously Thursday by the legislature's labor committee.

The bill was directly related to the case of a Stamford police officer who shot a chimpanzee to death last year after the chimp had mauled 56-year-old Charla Nash. Officer Frank Chiafari arrived at the scene in North Stamford and was attempting to help Nash when the frenzied chimp, named Travis, jerked open his unlocked patrol car's door.

Chiafari was now face to face with the bloody chimpanzee, who was close enough to touch him. Chiafari then pulled out his gun and fired four times, killing the chimp.

Only five days after the incident, Chiafari was denied workers' compensation benefits because he had killed an animal, not a person.

Both Republicans and Democrats voted in favor of rewriting the law Thursday, but state Rep. Bill Aman of South Windsor cautioned that the bill should not be written too broadly because it could allow too much coverage for workers' compensation for "non-physical injuries'' that officers suffer on the job.

But Sen. Edith Prague, the co-chairwoman of the labor committee, responded that the language is "very narrow'' and covers "only when the police officer is in imminent danger'' of being injured.

"At one time, there was abuse of the stress benefit under workers comp,'' Prague said, noting that the stress provision was eliminated in 1993.

Whether it's the state budget or the governor's plan for legalizing keno, legislators often disagree on a regular basis at the state Capitol.

But Republicans and Democrats come together every year when it involves a concert by the Wolfe Tones. The three-member Irish band travels to the United States annually around St. Patrick's Day, and they always stop in the Hartford area for a concert.

That's where longtime lobbyist Carroll Hughes and the legislature's Irish American Caucus come in. They are sponsoring a concert again this year at the Irish American Home in Glastonbury on Tuesday night.

As one of the most popular Irish bands in the world, the Wolfe Tones provide a rallying cry for the movers and shakers at the Capitol, who gather to hear the troupe sing songs about the Emerald Isle. Partisan differences are dropped when pints are raised as the Wolfe Tones belt out their rebel songs.

While the Irish mega-band U2 certainly has more fans, the Wolfe Tones have a very loyal following that often travels to great lengths to see them. One of the top fans is Hughes, who has seen the band play more than 35 times through the years.

So much so that they invented a whole new award for outgoing U.S. senator.

Courant business writer Eric Gershon reports that the Submarine Industrial Base Council has no name presented Dodd with the "Submarine Base Advocate Award, which recognizes the Senator's efforts over 36 years in Congress to "on behalf of Connecticut's submarine industry."

"Submarines are a vital part of America's national defense," Jim Jelinek, co-chairman of the council, said in a press release announcing the award. "Sen. Dodd has long recognized the importance of our submarines and the associated industrial base and we wanted to make sure he understood the positive impact he has had on our suppliers and the submarine force.''

The award came in the form of a framed photograph of the USS Connecticut, with inscribed nameplate. The 19-year-old group presented it at the group's Congressional breakfast in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill Thursday morning.

"The more than 850 members of the SIBC thank Senator Dodd for his tireless efforts over the years fighting for the submarine supplier industrial base," said SIBC co-chair Dan DePompei, marketing and sales director of DRS Power Technology of Fitchburg, Mass.

Electric Boat, one of the nation's two nuclear sub builders and a major Connecticut employer, is based in Groton.

Robert Zimmerman, spokesman for World Wrestling Entertainment, said he felt "compelled to provide clear and accurate information about the company's Talent Wellness Program and its position on steroids."

Zimmerman's statement came Thursday, a full five days after Hearst Connecticut newspaper's investigative reporter Brian Lockhart raised questions about WWE and its former CEO, Republican Senate candidate Linda McMahon, in a lengthy Sunday piece.

"The WWE agrees with Congressman Henry Waxman and the ONDCP that 'the abuse of steroids presents a pernicious public health threat'; however the WWE vehemently disagrees with Waxman's assertion in January 2009 that the WWE's 'anti-steroid program lacks independence and transparency,''' Zimmerman said.

"Since the WWE's Talent Wellness Program began in February 2006, the company, through independent medical third parties, tests for and strictly prohibits the use of steroids and other illegal substances. The program also monitors for cardiovascular and head trauma issues, as well as conducts annual physicals and provides healthcare referrals. WWE's Talent Wellness Program is overseen and independently administered by well-respected doctors in their field of expertise who work with other well-known organizations such as the NFL and NHL."

UPDATE: Lockhart responds to Zimmerman's statement and notes that WWE had ample opportunity to address questions surrounding a congressional review of the company's steroid policies -- and why an investigation was never conducted, despite a request from California Democrat Henry Waxman.

After all, Lockhart notes, "McMahon has been on the campaign trail since last September knowing full well that her critics would dredge up the issue of steroids and, in all likelihood, the Waxman letter. This is not an issue that suddenly popped up out of nowhere and completely caught WWE or the McMahon campaign off guard. If such a point-by-point rebuttal of Waxman's concerns exists, none was provided for my story."

Board of Education President Milo "Rusty" Peck announced Thursday he will challenge six-term incumbent Peggy Sayers for the Democratic nomination in the 60th House District.

A member of the board of education since 2006, Peck is a former member of the town council and has been chairman of the board of tax assessment appeals. The father of six, he is a professor of financial and government accounting and taxation at Fairfield University.

"We need new ideas and expertise to help tackle this problem. Peggy Sayers has served our district well since 1999, but it's time for a change. My experience both as a certified public accountant and tax attorney -- with an expertise in government finances and taxation issues -- is what is needed to help find solutions for these challenging times," Peck said in a statement announcing his candidacy.

The 60th District includes the eastern side of Windsor and all of Windsor Locks. Sayers, a registered nurse from Windsor Locks, announced in February she would seek a seventh term.

State ethics board Chairman G. Kenneth Bernhard resigned Thursday, saying that the board's work would be impeded by the continuing controversy and investigation concerning three prohibited campaign contributions he made in 2008 totaling $250.

Bernhard, a lawyer from Westport, initially said he intended to remain on the board last Friday, after The Courant uncovered the contributions, which ethics board members are prohibited by state law from making. The donations included one for $100 to the exploratory campaign committee of his fellow Republican, Gov. M. Jodi Rell, and two to GOP state legislative candidates -- one of them Bernhard's law partner.

Bernhard said he was unaware of the prohibition at the time he made the donations, while he was a member of the board but before he became its chairman.

However, a key legislator said this week he did not find ignorance of the law to be a "credible" excuse -- not for the head of an agency that was created in 2005 to set high ethical standards for public servants, and to redeem citizens' faith in the agency after the string of highly-publicized problems that destroyed the old State Ethics Commission. The old ethics agency imploded amid bitter internal conflicts -- including a staff lawyer concocting a phony letter to make anonymous allegations against her boss, then-state ethics director Alan Plofsky -- after the corruption scandal surrounding ex-Gov. John G. Rowland in 2004.

On Thursday morning, after reading a couple days' news coverage -- including a highly critical Courant editorial -- Bernhard e-mailed a letter resigning from the unsalaried but influential position: "I have had a few days to consider recent events with regard to my continuing to serve as Chairman of the Citizen's Ethics Advisory Board. It is apparent that my service will be a distraction to the important work that the Board does for the people of our state and I cannot permit that to happen."

Officials from the Connecticut State University System and the University of Connecticut rattled off statistics Thursday, trying to show that the college tuition increases for the 2010-2011 school year are warranted.

They spoke about enrollment, the impact of the state's early retirement incentive and about the complicated tuition process.

In their testimonies before the legislature's higher education and workforce advancement committee, university officials said they oppose a bill that would require university boards of trustees to report to the higher education committee before voting on any tuition changes. It would also allow committee members to comment on any proposed changes.

A judge might one day decide whether keno becomes legal across Connecticut. Judges have ruled different ways across the country, and some would say it's a roll of the dice.

Gov. M. Jodi Rell is pushing for legalization of keno in 600 to 1,000 bars, restaurants and taverns - saying it is clearly a lottery game. The Indian tribes that run the Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods casinos say it's a casino game.

U.S. Sen. Joseph Lieberman said Thursday that he is now undecided on health care reform - adding that he is concerned that Democrats might use the "reconciliation'' process to pass reform with 51 votes in the Senate.

"I'm undecided at this point how I will vote,'' Lieberman said in a conference call Thursday afternoon with Connecticut newspaper reporters.

Lieberman said he finds much to like about the health care bill, calling it "good and important."

But the reconciliation process has been highly controversial as Republicans and others have complained that a bill as important and significant as health care reform should not be passed on a partisan basis.

"Most of the big social changes have been adopted with bipartisan votes,'' Lieberman said, adding that using reconciliation is not "the best way to do this for a lot of reasons.''

"None of us has actually seen the reconciliation package,'' Lieberman said shortly after 12 noon. He noted that he will have at least two weeks to make his decision before the Senate's Easter and Passover break in late March.

Lieberman said both sides "bear some blame" for the fact that health care bill is not a bipartisan effort. "It takes two to tango,'' he said, alluding to the GOP.

James Michel, a member and past chairman of the Bloomfield board of education, has announced that he will seek the Democratic nomination for the 15th House District - a seat currently held by former Mayor David A. Baram.

Michel, 45, becomes the third announced candidate for the party nomination. Baram, 57, was elected in a special election in March 2009 to fill a vacancy created by the death of incumbent Faith McMahon.

Baram filed for re-election in January, and last month Windsor Democratic Town Chairman Leo Canty - a longtime union activist - registered his campaign committee. The 15th district covers portions of both Bloomfield and Windsor.

The district nominating convention will be held at 7 p.m., May 25 at the Bloomfield Senior Center. To force an August primary, a candidate needs support from 15 percent of the delegate count, or four of the 21 delegates (12 from Bloomfield, 9 from Windsor).

Michel said he plans to focus his campaign on the need for state budgetary controls, a more equitable distribution of state aid to local education and a reduction in state education mandates.

Without counting the appendices, the Race To the Top application ran to more than 200 pages.

Gov. M. Jodi Rell said, "This is disappointing but not unexpected news - only 15 out of 40 states were declared finalists for the first round of funding. I want to thank the members of my administration and all of the dedicated education professionals, school administrators and community leaders who worked so hard and for so long on our application.

"Federal Education Secretary Arne Duncan has assured states like Connecticut that 'there will be plenty of money remaining in the program after the first round of funding is complete.' I spoke this morning with Connecticut's education commissioner, Mark McQuillan, and we reaffirmed our commitment to working closely with all stakeholders - educators, unions, parents, students, legislators and others - to ensure that our application for the next round of funding is the best it can possibly be.''

The Office of Health Care Access formally approved the state Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services' application for a certificate of need this week, meaning that the department now has the green light to close Cedar Ridge in Newington, the psychiatric division of Cedarcrest Hospital.

The department expects to close Cedar Ridge by July 1 and move patients to other state facilities and into the community. Workers will be given other department jobs.

The process of closing Cedar Ridge has led to disagreement between Democratic lawmakers and Gov. M. Jodi Rell. Rell has pushed for the facility's closure in budget requests, while Democrats included money in the budget to keep Cedar Ridge open.

The endorsement will be made in Williams's district in Putnam on the Rhode Island border, which is one of the furthest towns in Connecticut from Lamont's hometown of Greenwich. It will mark the highest-ranking legislative endorsement for Lamont.

Lamont and Williams are friends from their days working together as co-chairs of Barack Obama's campaign for the presidency in 2008.

Lamont is currently leading in the latest Quinnipiac University poll over former Stamford Mayor Dannel Malloy. Three other Democrats - Simsbury First Selectman Mary Glassman, Ridgefield First Selectman Rudy Marconi, and former state Rep. Juan Figueroa - are also running. Figueroa will be collecting signatures in an attempt to place his name on the ballot, while the others are all vying to garner 15 percent of the delegates at the Democratic convention in May in Hartford.

The executive director of the state's ethics agency said Wednesday that she recommended that board Chairman G. Kenneth Bernhard resign last week, for the good of the agency, after it was discovered that he illegally made three campaign contributions.

He did not take her suggestion and now, amid public criticism and a call by a key legislator for Bernhard to resign, the ethics board faces the unprecedented job of investigating its own chairman. It took its first step in that direction Wednesday when it met in a special session -- minus Bernhard, who did not participate -- and appointed a three-member investigative subcommittee.

Executive Director Carol Carson of the Office of State Ethics said in an interview that she suggested that Bernhard quit last Friday, the day after The Courant had called him to say it had looked though campaign reports and found the donations he had made in 2008.Bernhard made three donations totaling $250 -- including $100 to the exploratory committee of his fellow Republican, Gov. M. Jodi Rell, and two others to GOP legislative candidates. The law prohibits such donations by Citizen's Ethics Advisory Board members.

"My role as the executive director is to consider the well-being of the organization," Carson said. "I felt that the best result would be that that he resign."

The AP is reporting that Republican Senate candidate Rob Simmons' "plan for prosperity" borrows liberally and without attribution from a business advocacy group.

"Some sections of Simmons' plan are nearly the same as so-called "talking points" on small businesses liability reform posted on the Web site of the National Federation of Independent Business,'' the AP story states.

"The plan was removed from Simmons' campaign Web site Wednesday, moments after The Associated Press asked about the similarities,'' the story continues. "The campaign manager for Simmons, a former U.S. congressman, blamed the error on a young staffer who borrowed the words without attribution."

Asked about the matter this afternoon, Simmons campaign manager Jim Barnett issued the following statement: "In developing the ideas in his plan, Rob Simmons relied on his experience as Connecticut's Business Advocate and his consultations with hundreds of members of the small business community. He conveyed his priorities to staff who were responsible for drafting the language in the plan. Regrettably, in a very small section of the plan, one of our young staffers who helped draft the language made the mistake of borrowing words from another source. Rob Simmons takes this issue seriously, the staffer has been admonished, and the part of the plan in question will be immediately re-worded."

Then Barnett tried to change the subject. "Linda McMahon is in no position to talk about credibility on jobs given spent last year receiving millions of dollars in taxpayer-funded subsidies designed to create jobs, then turning around and slashing jobs after taking the money, and then receiving millions more from the Wall Street bailout bill she supports. At least this kid's mistake didn't cost taxpayers over $800 billion.''

Republican gubernatorial candidate Thomas Foley called on the governor and legislature Wednesday to adopt fundamental changes to reduce spending - by at least 5 percent, or about $1 billion - and regain control of a state government that taxpayers no longer can afford.

"During the boom times our state government became something different from what the citizens want and expect from it," he said at a Wednesday press conference in the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. "Rather than being thrifty, our legislature became profligate. We are now paying the price with a state government we cannot afford and commitments to our citizens that we cannot fulfill. We must reduce the size and cost of our state government in the same way most Connecticut families have cut back on luxuries and reduced other nonessential expenses."

"Jobs and out-of-control spending here in Hartford are not being taken seriously enough here at the Capitol," said Foley, a businessman who served more than two years as former President George W. Bush's appointee as U.S. ambassador to Ireland.

BLOOMFIELD -- Mayor Sydney T. Schulman has formed an exploratory committee to seek the Democratic nomination for attorney general.

Schulman registered the committee with the State Elections Enforcement Commission on Feb. 18 before leaving for an extended vacation in Puerto Rico with his wife, Elba.

A lawyer who specializes in public interest law, Schulman was the fourth lawyer hired by Neighborhood Legal Services Inc., at the time a newly formed War on Poverty program established in Hartford to provide legal services for the poor.

Schulman served as executive director of the agency from 1969 to 1974, eventually leaving to establish his own practice.

"I think I exceed the minimum legal requirement,'' he joked in a not-so-thinly veiled reference to the candidacy of Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz. Bysiewicz, the odds-on favorite for the attorney general nomination, has found her candidacy stalled, at least temporarily, by questions concerning whether she has practiced law in Connecticut for 10 years, as is required to hold the office.

Schulman has served as Bloomfield mayor since 2003 and is in his eighth term on the town council.

"Republican State Party Chairman Chris Healy Wednesday commended U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, D-CT, for donating campaigns funds to charity that he received from disgraced Congressman Charles Rangel, D-NY," begins the statement emailed by Healy this afternoon.

Of course, Healy's kind words for Himes are used as a cudgel to hammer Democratic Congressmen Joe Courtney and Chris Murphy.

"Jim Himes made things right by giving away the Rangel money, now it's time for Joe Courtney and Chris Murphy to step up and write some checks to charity," said Healy. "Charlie Rangel has been shaking special interests down and spreading the money around, now it's time to reject that corrupt money."

Murphy has already said his office is reviewing the donations he has recieved from Rangel in past election cycles and that he intends to donate the money to charity.

Courtney spokesman Brian Farber said Courtney is in the process of donating any funds he received from Rangel to charities in eastern Connecticut. Courtney has received a total of about $25,000 from Rangel through the years.

Republican Laura Hoydick is the newest member of the state legislature.

She won a special election Tuesday night in Stratford, and she will be filling the seat once held by former Rep. John A. Harkins.

Harkins, a state lawmaker since 1997 and the former House Republican caucus chairman, won the race as Stratford's mayor and stepped down as a legislator.

"Laura's victory echoes the message that has resonated throughout town halls and forums across our state,'' said Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele of Stamford. "The change that has been promised for all too long has yet to come. That change will come from restoring the balance of power in Hartford. That message is loud and clear, and it's time for the Democrat majority to start listening.''

Would you like some investment advice with your politics? If so,you'll want to head down to the Holiday Inn in North Haven Saturday afternoon.

That's where Peter Schiff the investment advisor and Peter Schiff the candidate for U.S. Senate will address a gathering sponsored by two different groups.

At 3 :30 p.m., Schiff will present the keynote address at a free seminar entitled "Follow the Yellow Brick Road: Gold and Silver Investment and the Preservation of Wealth in Any Economy." Schiff, a broker, author and economic pundit from Weston, will offer advice on "how to save and invest in hard currency,'' according to its sponsor, the Campaign for Liberty, a non-profit group that promotes free market principles and opposes the Federal Reserve.

At 5, Schiff will shift to talking about his candidacy for Senate, his stance on the issues and his plans if elected. Voters will have the chance to ask questions. That segment of the event is sponsored by the Connecticut Grassroots Alliance. A $5 donation is requested to help offset costs.

NOTE: This post is an update of an earlier one, which suggested that both events were hosted by the Connecticut Grassroots Alliance.

Jim Himes wasn't the only congressman from Connecticut to call for Charlie Rangel to give up his chairmanship of the powerful Ways and Means committee.

Chris Murphy, a Democrat from the 5th District, also thought Rangel should give up his gavel (which he did this --temporarily at least -- this morning.)

"I called for him to step down as chairman yesterday,'' Murphy said in a brief phone interview this morning. "I just felt there was enough smoke circling around him and enough charges still pending that his ability to be chairman of that committee was compromised.''

UPDATE: What does U.S. Rep. John Larson, one of the most powerful members of the House, think of the Rangel matter? A senior aide to the 1st District Democrat said he was "involved in leadership conversations" about Rangel and was confident that the rules of the House would be followed. "Chairman Rangel did the noble thing in stepping aside...he wasn't asking the entire caucus to take a vote on his behalf," said the aide, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The first debate of a political campaign marks a big moment in any candidate's career and not surprisingly, most candidates want their spouses with them. On Monday night, Richard Blumenthal and Merrick Alpert each acknowledged their wives in the audience.

Tonight, Rob Simmons brought his wife and two children and Peter Schiff was accompanied by his fiancee.

Linda McMahon came with her two children, Shane and Stephanie. "My husband is in Wichita tonight producing television, so he was watching on the internet feed,'' McMahon said,

U.S. Rep. Jim Himes says he thinks Charlie Rangel ought to resign as chairman of the powerful Ways and Means Committee.

"If I were in Congressman Rangel's position, I would step aside from my chairmanship at this point,'' Himes, a Democrat from the 4th District, said in a brief phone interview earlier today.

Last week, the House ethics committee found that Rangel, a Democrat from New York, violated House rules by accepting Caribbean trips sponsored by corporations.

"There are enough allegations out there that the commitree is still studying that I think Congressman Rangel will find it increasingly hard to serve in the leadership capacity in which he has served,'' Himes said.

Himes is a freshman who is considered vulnerable. He has already come under fire from state GOP chairman Chris Healy for accepting campaign contributions from Rangel. Himes has donated the contributions, which totaled $16,000, to several charities in Southwestern Connecticut.

You know who you are. And since some of you have criticized us for being too focused on the McMahon-Simmons dogfight and not paying enough attention to the pundit from Weston, we offer a compendium of Schiffiana from tonight's debate.

On bringing down health care costs:

"The free market is the best mechanism that we know to bring costs down. We've all experienced that in our daily lives, we see it in cellular telephones, flat screen TVs, laptop computers, every year they get more complicated, more intricate and every year the price comes down. Why isn't that working with healthcare? The reason is government. Government refuses to allow free market forces to operate in health care....what we need to do is government to remove all the roadblocks, the regulations, the mandates, the subsidies that are destroying the free market and that are preventing it from delivering the benefit of affordable health care to all Americans."

On defense, part 1:

"I understand national defense is the most important issue for the federal government..it's the main reason the founding fathers gave congress the ability to tax us in the first place. But the problem is the government is focusing on so many things that are not authorized by the constitution and the one thing its really supposed to do it doesn't do right. If we could focus more on national defense and less on all the other issues that are better left to the states, or not done at all by government, I think we'd all be better off."

On defense, part 2:

"You can't overlook the financial position of our government and our ability to continue to maintain our military...the soviet union at one time was a military power and it disintegrated because it collapsed financially. ..we're in the same situation. We're borrowing money from China, from Japan, from Saudi Arabia to supply the troops. We can't keep doing that and remain a military power. "

And not surprisingly, the state Democratic party chairwoman gives the GOP field a lousy grade.

"What we heard tonight was the same, tired Republican line that we've been hearing for years,'' she said in a statement emailed to reporters after tonight's Republican Senate debate.

"[L]ess regulation of big business, let the free market police itself...isn't that the same failed Republican policy that got our country into this economic mess and pushed us to the brink of complete economic ruin in the first place? And on health care, they all seemed fairly content to stay with the status quo -- not offering up any solutions to address the problem of 30 million uninsured Americans and spiraling health care costs -- unless you count Ms. McMahon's suggestion that our health care problems can be solved by going back to the days of drive-through deliveries and mastectomies and having people bargain to lower their health care costs. Tonight proved once again that the Republicans are nothing more than the Party of No -- no ideas, no vision, no progress."

For months, Republican U.S. Senate candidates Rob Simmons and Linda McMahon have been locked in a nasty, deeply personal clash marked by blatant attacks, stark differences of opinion and accusations of lies.

On Tuesday, the candidates met in their first debate and some surprising similarities emerged.

In fact, the hourlong forum, which also included money manager and author Peter Schiff, was largely a genteel affair that featured few fireworks and focused instead on the finer points of public policy.

The three GOP contenders found consensus on numerous issues, showing caution by hewing to their party's core philosophy. Each expressed opposition to a government-run health care plan, and government regulation in general. Each voiced support for lower taxes and efforts that help small businesses grow. And each acknowledged that they had not read the mammoth health care bill passed by the Senate last year.

It was only in the waning moments of the hourlong debate at the University of Hartford that McMahon's ties to World Wrestling Entertainment -- her family business and the subject of much criticism from the Simmons camp -- were raised. And it was McMahon herself who brought it up. She suggested one way to end gridlock in Washington would be to set up a ring in the Senate chamber for a "smack down." The line drew laughs.

Simmons, who has been churning out press releases denouncing both the WWE's treatment of its wrestlers and the spicy nature of some of its content, avoided the topic. He made a reference to character in his closing statement: "The character of our Republican Party will be conveyed by the nominee that we select. I hope that my character as a public servant will reflect their choice." He insisted to reporters afterward that it wasn't a veiled jab at McMahon.

Instead, Simmons took a swipe at Democrat Richard Blumenthal, who said in last night's Democratic debate that the many lawsuits he has filed through the years have actually helped to spur job growth.

"I would not recommend lawsuits as a way to create jobs,'' Simmons said. "What I would recommend is that we go to the fundamental value that all Americans, have which is free enterprise¡Kand in particular that we focus on small business."

Schiff noted after the debate that many people watching at home might have been surprised to see three candidates in the debate. His candidacy, fueled by passionate and energetic supporters from across the nation, has to some degree been overshadowed by the heat generated by Simmons and McMahon.

But Schiff's fans were among the loudest in the room, yelling "Peter!" as he took his place on the stage. They have come to know the Weston pundit through his frequent television appearances schooling viewers on monetary policy -- and that's largely what they got Tuesday night.

"A lot of people say we need bipartisanship so we can overcome gridlock,'' Schiff said. "Well, I don't want to overcome gridlock if that's the only thing standing between us and more government. I want to change what's happening in Washington. I don't want to go to Washington to compromise my positions or my principles. I want to try and persuade and educate the other members of Congress to adopt my principles. ... We've been compromising for years, and look at the mess that we're in."

And Schiff ended with a pledge: "If you send me to Washington, I promise you one thing -- that town will never be the same again."

Each of the candidates emphasized their life stories: Schiff spoke of how he predicted the economic meltdown. McMahon talked of her rise from bankruptcy to the head of a multimillion-dollar corporation. Simmons spoke of his many years of public service and his distinguished military career.

The stakes Tuesday night were perhaps highest for McMahon, a newcomer to politics who has indicated she could spend up to $50 million in her quest to win the seat, which is currently held by U.S. Sen. Christopher Dodd. She has never debated before, not even in high school or college, and her handlers were clearly pleased with her performance.

In her closing statement, McMahon explained to voters why she is running. "I don't need a hobby,'' she said. "I'm running because I could no longer tolerate the lack of common sense and the lack of fiscal discipline I see in Washington. I wanted to shake things up. I want to offer a fresh perspective. I'm not a career politician."

The three Republican candidates for the U.S. Senate stepped on the stage Tuesday night for their first televised debate and battled over who would be the party's best candidate in November.

Former U.S. Rep. Rob Simmons, wrestling entrepreneur Linda McMahon, and investor Peter Schiff squared off at the University of Hartford in a debate sponsored by The Hartford Courant and Fox 61.

The first 15 minutes focused on the economy as the candidates criticized various bailouts and the Democrat-written stimulus bill that was designed to jump start the national economy.

When asked, in the first question, how he would get the economy back on track, Simmons responded, "I would not recommend lawsuits as a way to create jobs.''

That remark was a reference to a comment made on the same stage on Monday night by Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination. Blumenthal had said that the many lawsuits that he had filed through the years had actually created jobs because businesses want a level playing field that could be accomplished through the lawsuits.

Both Simmons and Schiff said they opposed the federal Troubled Asset Relief Program, known as TARP. McMahon said she supported TARP in its original form, adding, "I would not have supported AIG bailouts or auto bailouts.''

By 7:12 p.m., the McMahon campaign had already sent out an e-mail that responded to the comment by Simmons that McMahon had supported TARP.

While three Republicans for U.S. Senate debate policy inside the Lincoln Theater tonight, a fourth, Vinny Forras of Ridgefield, will be standing outside with supporters.

Forras, a businessman, volunteer firefighter and father of seven, expressed frustration that he was excluded from the debate, which is sponsored by the Courant and Fox 61.

"We The People deserve much better than the status quo we have been getting, not only from our elected leaders in Washington, but also from the so called Main Stream Media, when it comes to presenting all points of view from those who are seeking to serve,'' Forras said via email. "We ask you, in the name of our freedom, to send a message that can't be ignored to the Hartford Courant, its sponsors and the public that this sort of arrogant and irresponsible behavior will not be tolerated."

Only major party candidates were invited to participate in the two debates (one featuring Democrats Merrick Alpert and Richard Blumenthal was held Monday night.) Forras says he's running as a Republican, but he was listed as an independent candidate on the Federal Election Commission website.

"The Hartford Courant and FOX CT believe strongly in the democratic process,'' Courant spokeswoman Andrea Savastra said via email. "The U.S. Senate debates that we are hosting on March 1 and 2 are intended for major-party candidates vying for their respective party's nomination through the primary process. Mr. Forras is listed on the Federal Election Commission website as running for the U.S. Senate as an independent."

Republican Senate candidate Linda McMahon's glossy mailers attacking one of her GOP rivals has caught the attention of FactCheck.org, a widely respected non-partisan group that researches the claims made by political candidates and debunks those found to be untrue.

The McMahon campaign has sent out a number of brochures critical of Rob Simmons, including allegations that the former congressman cosponsored a cap and trade bill that will "cost the average American family more than $1,7000 a year."

Team McMahon also tried to tie Simmons to the controversial group ACORN. The McMahon mailer alleges that Simmons was one of ACORN's congressional chums when he served in the U.S. House: "Congressman Simmons voted with ACORN 56 percent of the time,'' the mailer asserts. In fact, McMahon claimed Simmons is a better friend to ACORN than Democrat Chris Dodd.

The Simmons campaign has been complaining about the veracity of these statements and FactCheck agrees. In an article titled "You've Got False Mail," published today on the group's website, FactCheck sifts through the McMahon statements and finds them riddled with falsehoods.

Some lawmakers were surprised Tuesday to learn that no legislative committee in Hartford had direct oversight over the Middletown power plant that was severely damaged in an explosion on Super Bowl Sunday that killed six workers and injured 26 others.

When it comes to fixing the state's Citizens' Election program, state Rep. Christopher Caruso, D-Bridgeport, and Rep. Gary Holder-Winfield, D-New Haven, are asking their colleagues to act quickly.

The pair want leaders in the House of Representatives and Senate to call for an emergency-certified bill the next time the two chambers meet -- or before. The purpose would be to fix parts of the state's landmark campaign finance reform law, which was passed in 2005.

A judge for the U.S. 2nd Court of Appeals has ruled that the law's voluntary public financing system would put minor-party candidates at a disadvantage against better-financed major-party candidates. The state appealed that decision and is waiting for a response.

Faced with strong skepticism from the Democrat-controlled legislature, the Rell administration started talks last week with Connecticut's two Indian tribes so that the state can legalize keno - a gambling game that is currently offered in the casinos.

Gov. M. Jodi Rell believes that keno is a lottery-style game and that the state's quasi-public lottery corporation can begin the game without approval by the legislature in the same way that it can start other lottery games. Officials said keno is not a casino-style game and would not violate the state's compact with the tribes.

Representatives of the casinos admitted that the keno games would become a form of competition if the state moves forward with its plan for installing the games in 600 to 1,000 bars, restaurants, and taverns across the state. Those retailers would also be asked to sell Powerball and all other lottery tickets.

"I can tell you that I think the [tribal] council would be deeply concerned about 600 to 1,000 gaming parlors opening up around the state of Connecticut - as a violation of an agreement that was entered into in good faith,'' said Chuck Bunnell, chief of staff for the Mohegan tribe that runs the Mohegan Sun casino.

The federal regulatory body that oversees casinos - the National Indian Gaming Commission - has ruled keno as a casino game, he said.

On the fiscal side, Rell is proposing the controversial idea so that the state could receive an estimated $60 million per year to close budget deficits in the future.

"We think the $60 million number is a reasonable projection,'' said Rell's budget director, Robert Genuario. The profits would be about 20 to 25 percent to the state's general fund.

The estimate that the state could generate $60 million per year from keno - a bingo-type game - is based on an average of surrounding states, as well as Maryland. The administration is comfortable that the number is not inflated.

"While the administration believes that no new legislation is necessary ... that is not a statement that the administration or the Connecticut Lottery Corporation would implement keno in the absence of legislative approval,'' Genuario told the legislature's public safety committee in Hartford. "This is being presented to the legislature as a whole as part of the mandate to provide $1.3 billion in securitization.''

The Rell administration "has enjoyed a very positive relationship with both of our tribes,'' Genuario said.

Rep. Stephen Dargan, co-chairman of the legislature's public safety committee that oversees gambling, said he is concerned about the $377 million that the two tribes have contributed to the state in the current fiscal year in exchange for the right to run slot machines.

By comparison, the lottery currently generates $283 million annually for the state's general fund from the profits from a wide variety of games, including Classic Lotto. The record amount that was contributed to the state was $286 million in 2006, and the number dipped slightly because of the economy.

Alpert's public approval rating among Democrats is mired at 4 percent according to the latest Q poll, But he seems to have some fans among Republicans, who will cheer anyone trying to pierce Blumenthal's sky-high public approval ratings.

"If you happen to catch the debate, it is easy to see why Dick Blumenthal didn't want to debate Merrick Alpert,'' Healy said in an email sent to reporters before the candidates had even cleared the stage at the University of Hartford's Lincoln Theater.

Through a combination of accounting moves and fund transfers, Gov. M. Jodi Rell is seeking to close the state's projected $504 million deficit in the current fiscal year.

The biggest single move would be spending $219 million from the $1.4 billion rainy day fund for fiscal emergencies. The money is currently earmarked to close next year's budget, but the state's dire fiscal situation is prompting Rell to propose using it in this year's budget. As such, it would create a hole for next year that would need to be filled - and Rell proposed various changes Monday to do that.

The rainy day fund had been allocated in three different years to fill budget holes in each year. Overall, $342 million had been set aside for the 2011 fiscal year from the fund, and $219 million of that total would be moved to the current fiscal year. That move can be made, budget officials said, because the money can be covered in the 2011 fiscal year from funds that have been earmarked.

Rell's plan also calls for about $82 million in budget cuts, $58 million in various fund transfers, and about $45 million in federal stimulus money, according to the plan that was released late Monday afternoon.

"This deficit must be eliminated now through swift and decisive action. We cannot afford to wait and hope or to count on future revenues that no one is certain we will collect,'' Rell said in a statement. "The plan I am proposing not only eliminates the current deficit but makes much-needed structural reforms that will improve our prospects for long-term recovery. If we do not act now, any short-term cuts we manage to make will be overwhelmed by the inexorable growth of state spending.''

She added, "These choices may not be easy, but they are necessary. These choices may not be pleasant, but they are crucial. These choices may not be politically popular, but they are the right choices to make."

Rell's plan is subject to approval by the Democrat-controlled legislature, which has rejected most of Rell's proposed budget cuts over the past year. The bitter standoff led to the longest budget stalemate in state history - stretching even longer than the epic battles in 1991 when then-Governor Lowell P. Weicker, Jr. created the state income tax. The budget was eventually approved by both chambers, but Rell allowed it to become law in September without her signature. The state was already into the third month of the current fiscal year before the budget became law.

Democrats say that the budget deficit would be smaller today if Rell had not vetoed two bills that they had passed before Christmas in an attempt to close the gap. One of those bills involved delaying changes to the estate tax, which is paid by the state's richest families. Based on the changes this year, anyone who dies with less than $3.5 million is not subject to the estate tax. That number is an increase from the previous threshhold of $2 million, and House Speaker Christopher Donovan said in an interview that the estate tax must be on the table again this year.

State lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are still baffled by the hefty bonuses paid to employees of banks that received TARP funding, and they are considering whether to make Connecticut workers who get bonuses of at least $1 million pay more in taxes.

Democrats are heavily lobbying for the passage of a bill that they say would preserve and create jobs in Connecticut, and, for the most part, Republicans are on board.

Republicans support creating a revolving loan fund of up to $20 million to help businesses with less than 50 employees -- a proposal also made by Gov. M. Jodi Rell. Both Democrats and the governor look to cancel bond authorizations to pay to for the new bonding.

Former Enron CEO Jeff Skilling, convicted in a criminal case stemming from his company's collapse, is appealing his conviction today to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Skilling became well known - along with former chairman Ken Lay - as the face of Enron, which was one of the largest corporate collapses in American business history.

But Skilling's role in pushing for energy deregulation - in Connecticut and across New England - is less known.

Skilling was actually one of the featured players at a New England governors' conference in December 1996 at the upscale Equinox hotel in Vermont that was attended by former Gov. John G. Rowland and former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean. The long-ago conference was covered at the time by The Hartford Courant, and Skilling stood out that day as someone pushing very hard for energy deregulation.

A series of governors met with more than 100 utility regulators, lobbyists, and government leaders to talk about the still-new concept of electricity deregulation - a highly complicated subject that was still in its infancy in 1996.

The most aggressive proponent that day, listed among the ``special guests,'' was Skilling. Not well known nationally at the time, Skilling urged the governors to move as quickly as possible into the bold new world of electricity competition.

``Every day we delay [deregulation], we're costing consumers a lot of money,'' Skilling told Rowland and the other governors. ``It can be done quickly. The key is to get legislation done fast.''

Yesterday's must-read for denizens of Fairfield County is now available to the rest of the world. The excellent, in-depth analysis by Brian Lockhart of Hearst Connecticut Newspapers details how the White House and Congress each never followed through on an investigation into steroid use in the WWE -- a huge break for Linda McMahon's political career. Read it here.

Some of the top local officials in the state will descend upon the state Capitol complex Tuesday to testify about Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell's proposed budget.

The budget-writing appropriations committee will hold a special meeting to discuss the impact of the budget in an annual forum that allows for an airing of municipal needs.

The speakers will include New Haven Mayor John DeStefano, East Hartford Mayor and former state representative Melody Currey, Middletown Mayor Sebastian Giuliano, Simsbury interim administrator Bonnie Therrien, and Tim Griswold, the first selectman of Old Lyme who currently serves as the president of the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities.

The forum runs from 10 a.m. until noon in Room 2 E at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.

Attorney General Richard Blumenthal called Monday for closing a loophole in state law that prevents families from learning about medical errors at hospitals that lead to the deaths of their loved ones.

Blumenthal said at the state Capitol complex that the bill will lead to greater transparency and accountability over fatal mistakes by doctors.

"It will not bring back people who have perished,'' Blumenthal said, who is seeking more audits and increased penalties for errors.

The bill, entitled "An Act Concerning Adverse Events at Hospitals and Outpatient Surgical Centers,'' would force the state health department to release a report on hospital errors that Blumenthal says currently remain hidden from the general public. There is so much secrecy at hospitals, Blumenthal said, that the general public does not know "what are the safest hospitals'' because there are no reliable, published measuring sticks to compare them to each other.

The bill also has a strong "whistle blower'' provision because some hospital employees who know about fatal errors are afraid to report them for fear that they will lose their job, Blumenthal said.

"The current law is a deadly and disgraceful failure, shielding hospitals and surgical centers from scrutiny and accountability and leaving patients in the dark," he said. "Medical mistakes causing death and serious illness may go unreported, undisclosed and uninvestigated, undermining patient protection. Gaping legal loopholes keeping most hospital medical errors secret -- including more than 116 that resulted in death between 2004 and present -- are unconscionable and unacceptable.''